The devastation of two historic landmarks by fires is prompting Richmond city leaders to push for enhanced preservation measures.
On April 25, 2023, the International Hotel—a privately owned structure built around 1900 to house Black Pullman porters and serve as a hub of labor organizing and cultural gathering— was entirely destroyed by fire. Then, on May 23, 2025, a fire damaged an historic building at the Miraflores site, a location tied to Japanese American agricultural heritage. The fire erupted during a volunteer-led cleanup at Greenbelt Park. The cause of the fires wasn’t immediately known, although both properties reportedly attracted squatting.
In response to the blazes, Councilmembers Soheila Bana and Doria Robinson are introducing a resolution for the City Council to consider on Tuesday that calls for a comprehensive strategy to safeguard Richmond’s historic assets.
The plan includes creating a verified public inventory of both city-owned and privately held historic structures, clearly specifying ownership status. It also proposes a structured process to nominate and install commemorative signage—such as plaques or markers—on city-owned sites and to support marker installation on private properties where owners agree.
To enhance site protection, the resolution advocates for fire-resistant landscaping, improved lighting, fencing, and surveillance. The initiative favors case-by-case assessments of each structure—considering historical significance, community interest, and resource availability—instead of imposing uniform maintenance mandates.
To sustain these efforts, the city will pursue grants and partnerships with local history organizations, such as the Richmond Museum of History, and, where needed, establish a staff-led process for recommending site-specific protections with associated budget requests.
If the proposal receives council report, city staff will be directed to provide a status update to the City Council within 180 days to detail progress made, challenged encountered and the next steps for implementation.
