In Richmond’s Fulton Hill neighborhood, a two-block stretch of Government Road long impacted by stormwater runoff has been transformed into greater Fulton’s first “green street.” VHB provided civil engineering and landscape architecture services for the sustainable streetscape, transforming it into a vibrant, beautiful, and functional street that improved pedestrian safety and provided drainage solutions in a historically underserved community.
Today, one step towards reinvestment is taking visible shape. Following concept studies and stakeholder engagement with the Greater Fulton community, residents and visitors are enjoying a safe and visually inviting streetscape, which will help stimulate small business activity and strengthen community identity. Neighborhood partners are organizing volunteer days, art-themed events, and educational tours to involve residents in maintaining and celebrating the space.
VHB’s design included sustainable features such as increased native plant density to support pollinators; a permeable paver drive aisle to slow-down stormwater runoff; and increased street tree canopy to uptake water, create shade for public spaces, and reduce the heat island effect. VHB also designed and oversaw the installation of several rain gardens. These improvements will capture stormwater runoff from the street and surrounding paved surfaces along Government Road to filter and decrease the volume of runoff and pollutants that enter water and sewer pipes.
“VHB is thrilled to be a part of this transformational project, which demonstrates that stormwater management infrastructure can provide both environmental improvement and neighborhood enhancement,” said Charlene Harper, PE, PLA, Project Manager.
Along with infrastructure upgrades, the corridor features colorful murals, interactive art installations, and shaded walkways designed for pedestrians. Local artists have added cultural significance to the project, while volunteer residents participated in planning efforts, such as Plant-A-Thons and selecting themes for the public art displays.
The project will also help reduce combined sewer overflows into the James River. VHB assisted Innovate Fulton, the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, and the City of Richmond Department of Utilities in obtaining federal grant funding from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to fund most of the improvements.
For more information, contact Charlene Harper.
