Historic Richmond Foundation | News: Press Releases





		Press Releases FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Historic Richmond Foundation Responds to General Assembly Decision to Demolish Old Murphy Hotel May 13, 2006 The Honorable Timothy M. Kaine Governor Commonwealth of Virginia Richmond, Virginia Dear Governor Kaine: As the oldest, largest and strongest preservation organization devoted to preserving the historical assets that give Richmond its unique character, Historic Richmond Foundation urges your veto of the General Assembly budget allocation to demolish the historic 8th Street Office Building on Broad Street. Historic Richmond Foundation was the only private agency to fund the 2005 public-private study showing that renovation of both the 8th and 9th Street office buildings is feasible. The General Assembly’s decision to demolish the old Murphy Hotel is inexplicable. The vote to demolish the 1911 landmark without allocating funding to replace it sends a terrible message to our community. Broad Street is a critical central commercial corridor currently undergoing major revitalization efforts costing billions. The idea of a vacant lot on Broad is unthinkable. The people of Richmond deserve a strong voice in government decisions that permanently alter the landscape of our city. The old Murphy Hotel contributes to Richmond’s national reputation for distinctive historic architecture and Historic Richmond Foundation will use its best efforts to save it. We continue to stand ready to work with your administration; other elected state officials and our city leaders to reach a workable solution to meet the state’s space needs. Your veto of this ill-advised government action will set the stage for such a positive dialogue. Respectfully, John Owen Gwathmey President, Historic Richmond Foundation -------------------------------------------- Message to Historic Richmond Foundation Supporters: If you would like to contact Governor Kaine and express your views regarding the demolition of the Murphy Hotel, pertinent contact information is below: Email: http://www.governor.virginia.gov/AboutTheGovernor/contactGovernor.cfm Mailing address: P.O. Box 1475 Richmond, Virginia 23218 Street address: Office of the Governor Patrick Henry Building, 3rd Floor 1111 East Broad Street Richmond, Virginia 23219 Phone Numbers: Phone: (804) 786-2211 Fax: (804) 371-6351 TTY/TDD (For the Hearing Impaired): 1-800-828-1120, or 711 Historic Richmond Foundation - The William Byrd Branch of APVA Preservation Virginia