By Kathy Chouteau
The City of Richmond Design Review Board conditionally approved YES Nature to Neighborhoods’ project to rebuild its headquarters on Macdonald Avenue at its Wednesday, Sept. 11 meeting, according to City Principal Planner Avery Stark.
Stark said that the conditional approval is subject to a 10-day appeal period through Sept. 23 at 5 p.m., at which time, the decision will be final. Following the appeal period, the applicant, architect Maurice Levitch, can set up plans to submit for a building permit for design and construction.
YES’ plan looks to demolish its one-story, 2,218 square foot building and a 95 square foot shed and replace them with a modern 4,500 square foot, two-story building.
The nonprofit’s new building would include both office and meeting spaces, with a 345-square foot addition to its existing garage, according to City documents. The organization will host youth, adult and family programming on-and-off the site.
Other plans by the nonprofit include repairing sidewalks, replacing planters and a fence, adding lighting and providing interior open space, to name a few items.
YES Nature to Neighborhoods provides Richmond-area youth ages 8–18, adults and families with outdoor nature experiences, while helping them develop leadership and relationship building skills.
The nonprofit’s new headquarters will add a modern, updated look to its home at 3029 Macdonald Ave. at 31st Street in Richmond. It’s located directly across the street from the city’s Nicholl Park.
