John Sarvay’s coverage of the big ideas at the ongoing charrette for a New Downtown Plan breaks out concern for Jackson Ward as a frequent mention.

From THE DOWNTOWN PLAN: THE BIG IDEAS:

Jackson Ward: Protecting Jackson Ward’s history, architecture and its existing residential community was a big deal. Not every table spoke about affordable housing, but those who did were paying particular attention to the residents of Jackson Ward and Manchester, especially.

• Transform Second Street into the major corridor from north to south — connect Jackson Ward to the urban downtown and then to the river. Make the intersection of Second Street and Broad Street a significant node, and turn it into a symbolic and visible center of downtown Richmond.
• Revitalize Jackson Ward with mixed use for mixed incomes
• Make Jackson Ward a destination
• Maintain the residential character of Jackson Ward