Richmond's leaders continue to promote the idea that another large hotel is essential for downtown's future. Yet one fundamental question remains unanswered:
Where is the evidence?
Before taxpayers, residents, and businesses are asked to support another publicly backed hotel project, City Hall should be expected to present clear, transparent data demonstrating that existing hotels are consistently operating at capacity and that demand significantly exceeds supply. To date, that evidence has not been publicly presented in a convincing manner.
Richmond's Own Studies Raise Questions
Ironically, documents prepared for the City itself paint a far more cautious picture than the public narrative.
The City's City Center market analysis found that the Richmond/Petersburg region already contains approximately 22,400 hotel rooms across roughly 240 hotels. Average occupancy has historically hovered around 60% with occupancy remaining below pre-pandemic levels for downtown hotels.
Even more telling, a recent Downtown Market Scan prepared for the GRTC Permanent Transfer Hub concluded:
Downtown occupancy remains below pre-pandemic levels.
Existing hotels can absorb additional demand.
More than 500 additional hotel rooms are already planned through the City Center redevelopment.
The report specifically notes that a new hotel is "a less likely overbuild use" because of current market conditions.
If Richmond's own consultants are warning that current inventory can absorb future demand, why is another hotel suddenly an urgent priority?
Where Is the Transparency?
If City leaders believe another hotel is necessary, the public deserves answers.
They should release:
- Current downtown hotel occupancy rates.
- Independent demand forecasts.
- Convention business lost solely because of hotel shortages.
- Financial risk analyses.
- Expected taxpayer subsidies.
- Alternative redevelopment options that were considered.
Economic development should be driven by facts, not assumptions.
Without publicly available evidence, Richmond residents are simply being asked to trust that another hotel will solve problems that have never been clearly defined.
The Richmond Coliseum Is Not the Problem
For decades the Richmond Coliseum has been one of downtown's most recognizable civic landmarks.
Rather than viewing it as obsolete, Richmond should view it as an opportunity.
Cities throughout America are rediscovering that historic structures often become competitive advantages when creatively repurposed.
Demolition erases history.
Adaptive reuse creates new possibilities.
Detroit Chose Restoration Over Demolition
Detroit faced a far greater challenge than Richmond.
Michigan Central Station sat abandoned for decades and became an international symbol of urban decline.
Many believed demolition was inevitable.
Instead, Ford Motor Company invested hundreds of millions of dollars restoring the historic station into the centerpiece of a new innovation district expected to support thousands of jobs while preserving one of America's great landmarks.
Detroit understood something Richmond appears to be forgetting:
Historic buildings create identity.
Identity attracts investment.
Investment creates economic growth.
The station is now once again a symbol of Detroit, not because it was demolished, but because it was saved.
Kansas City Offers Another Lesson
Kansas City's downtown revival has relied heavily on preserving historic buildings instead of replacing them.
When a proposal surfaced to demolish a National Register building for new development, preservation advocates argued that downtown's success came precisely because historic buildings had been adapted into hotels, apartments, restaurants, and offices. They rejected the false choice between preservation and economic development.
Richmond should recognize the same principle.
Historic architecture is an economic asset.
Once demolished, it can never be replaced.
Pittsburgh Invests in Its Heritage
Pittsburgh has repeatedly demonstrated that preserving historic civic spaces can complement economic development rather than compete with it.
The city's revitalization has emphasized restoring historic districts, cultural assets, and public gathering spaces while encouraging new investment around them instead of wiping the slate clean.
Successful cities understand that authenticity cannot be manufactured.
Richmond Should Build Around Its History
Imagine a renovated Coliseum that includes:
- concerts
- sporting events
- conventions
- community festivals
- educational programming
- retail and restaurants
- public gathering spaces
That would create activity throughout the year while preserving an important piece of Richmond's history.
A hotel alone cannot create vibrancy.
Destinations create hotel demand.
Not the other way around.
The Better Investment
Rather than spending public resources pursuing another hotel with questionable demand, Richmond should focus on:
- renovating the Coliseum
- improving the Broad Street corridor
- expanding downtown housing
- supporting small businesses
- improving public safety
- creating more entertainment venues
These investments generate lasting activity that naturally supports existing hotels.
Richmond Needs Facts, Not Faith
No one opposes economic development.
But responsible economic development requires transparency.
If another hotel truly represents the best path forward, City Hall should have no hesitation releasing the data that proves it.
Until then, Richmond should resist demolishing one of its most iconic public buildings in pursuit of a project that even the City's own market analyses suggest may not yet be necessary.
Cities like Detroit, Kansas City, and Pittsburgh demonstrate that preservation is not an obstacle to progress.
It is often the foundation for it.
Richmond should follow their example.
Save the Coliseum.
Demand transparency.
Build on history instead of erasing it.
Mayor Danny Avula
Brian K. Telfair
Publisher & Editor | The Richmond Chronicle
Independent commentary and investigative analysis on Richmond government, public spending, economic development, and the decisions shaping the city’s future.
The Richmond Chronicle
Asking the questions City Hall would rather not answer.
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