Museum District Association

Business Profile: Black Hand Coffee

admin — Fri, 10 May 2013 13:34:06 +0000

Black Hand Coffee Company

3101 Patterson Ave.
Richmond, VA 23221
www.blackhandcoffeeco.com

We grew to love our local coffee shop on Sheppard and Park, but then it moved. Thankfully, it didn’t move far. Here’s the story behind the Black Hand Coffee’s move as told by owner Clay Gilbert:

We moved from the Sheppard Street location for several reasons. The primary reason was space issues on both the interior and exterior of the building. With the new renovation we were able to build out a space that would allow coffee prep, roasting operations, and food prep to be much more streamlined.

We also felt that if we wanted to have any outdoor seating in the future we would have to move to a place that would provide that opportunity down the road. It was important that we did not leave the Museum District. The company was founded in the Museum District and we are proud of the fact that we are the only coffee shop, and more importantly coffee roaster in the district. The iconic corner of Belmont and Patterson also provides us with our own identity. We are not surrounded by other retail establishments. Lastly we looked at this project from an economic redevelopment perspective. Taking an old run down laundromat and turning it into a viable business was a top priority and has added value to the Museum District overall.

Customer testimony:

“Best coffee in Richmond… They roast their own beans, making special roasts for brew coffee, espresso shots, and French press. The craft that goes into making their beverages is outstanding- from the pulling of the shots, to the pouring of the milk. This is what a coffeehouse is supposed to be: donated / found furniture, great coffee, free wifi, and service with a smirk. There are good conversations to be found, good music (playing), a diverse bookshelf, and quality art adorning freshly painted walls.”

No Need For Speed

admin — Fri, 03 May 2013 13:30:36 +0000

By Teri Dunnivant

Those of us who live in the Museum District already know that one of the joys of our neighborhood is its walkability. You can shop, eat, go to the movies, shop some more, eat some more, visit the museums and do much more — all without ever getting into a motorized vehicle. But you should be careful in your travels, as we have a pretty serious speeding problem on our pedestrian-friendly streets.

It may not seem like it to those folks who are just passing through, but this really is a residential neighborhood. And the truth is that our neighbors, their children and pets are not necessarily predictable in their behaviors, which is one reason we have speed limits in the first place. The residential speed limit in Virginia, unless otherwise posted, is 25 miles per hour. Impatience (or possibly caffeine) is the most likely culprit for all this speeding, but the fact remains that it is extremely dangerous.

If you attended the MDA annual meeting in November, you may remember Lt. Stith half-jokingly noting that speeding complaints had been registered for pretty much all of the streets in the Museum District. But think about this: If you speed through the neighborhood, there’s not much reason for you to complain.

See, I don’t think it’s only the folks who are visiting from elsewhere in the city that are speeding in the district. As I mentioned in a previous column, I ride my bike to work at VCU, so I see plenty of fancy driving. I’ve been cut off numerous times by a driver who will pass me, whip into a parking place and then proceed to throw open the door without looking to see if I might still be there in the bike lane. So it’s not just “them.” It’s us, too.

So, next time you are in the car, take a look at your speedometer and see if you really are obeying the speed limit. You might be surprised at how fast you really are going. If you aren’t at 25, slow it down. Your neighbors will appreciate it. And maybe they will follow your example.

Crime and Parking Issues in the Museum District

admin — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 13:28:09 +0000

By Stephen Thompson, Safety Chair

On Saturday March 9, at the MDA town hall meeting, Lt. Stith discussed safety, crime rates, and trends within the Museum District and answered questions from neighbors.

Crime Related

Lt. Stith stated that the Museum District continues to have low crime rates thanks in large part to all of us who are proactive and alert the police to suspicious activity. Criminals are less likely to “set up shop” in an area where they are noticed by citizens and the police come by and question them when they receive a tip.

Lt. Stith also mentioned that car break-ins will continue to decline as long as we keep nothing of value within view in our cars. Items such as GPS devices and their holders stuck to the windshield, loose change in the cup holders, cigarette packs, sunglasses, etc. are all of value to criminals.

Parking Enforcement

The City’s parking enforcement team will be more closely monitoring illegal parking. The most common violations are blocking the crosswalk at intersections and parking too close to alley cuts, blocking fire hydrants, and parking too close to intersections. Keep in mind that many blocks have No Parking signs near intersections, while others do not. The law remains the same: you may not park within 20 feet of an intersection or alley cut, or within 30 feet of a stop sign. These laws are there for our benefit so everyone has a clear sight line when pulling into an intersection. How many times in the last month have you had to pull into the intersection in order to see if the roadway is clear? By not parking close the intersection you are helping to eliminate this potentially dangerous scenario for yourself and others.

Please be aware the law requires that when you parallel park, your car should be no more than 12 inches from the curb. Many of our side streets are narrow and if you park 18 – 24 inches from the curb it creates a situation that is dangerous for drivers, pedestrians, and the illegally parked car owner whose car may be side swiped. By being more aware of our parking habits we will not only be helping everyone, but we may also help to cut down on the number of “hit and run” accidents that get reported in our neighborhood.

Remember these numbers directly affect all of our insurance rates because they are based upon the number of accidents, hit and run, “bumper bumping” and car break-in incidents reported in our ZIP code.

We thank Lt. Stith and all the officers assigned to Sector 311 who continue to make our neighborhood safe.

Notes from the Town Hall Meeting

admin — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 13:26:37 +0000

Nearly 30 neighbors convened at St. Benedict School on Saturday, March 9, to discuss a number of neighborhood topics at our 2013 annual Town Hall Meeting.

Hosted by the Museum District Association, this annual event fosters an open dialogue between the association, residents and local officials on current neighborhood concerns.

MDA President, Zoe Anne Green, opened the meeting. She updated everyone on current projects and events coming up in the next several months, and answered any questions. First District City Council representative, Jon Baliles, his liaison, Eli Wong, and First District School Board representative, Glen Sturtevant were also on hand to talk about the district and answer questions. Richmond Police Department Sector 311 Lt. Michael Stith and Officer Jay Riley join us as well.

Discussions centered on police crime statistics, speeding on Grove Avenue, school budgets, truancy solutions and the future strategic plans for our neighborhood public schools. Councilman Baliles suggested using the Richmond city website for comments and complaints. He responded to questions covering street repair, infrastructure maintenance and concerns regarding city tax and assessment billing issues. Residents had a number of questions that were thoughtful and were heard. All representatives stressed the need for constant, two-way communication and provided direct contact information for themselves and their offices.

Zoe Anne Green closed the meeting by thanking the participants. She again asked attendees to join the MDA and continue to support the association in its effort to enhance the quality of life for our residents.

House Tour tickets now available!

admin — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 14:22:43 +0000

Tickets to the 2013 Mother’s Day House & Garden Tour are now available.

Please join us for this Museum District marquee event on Sunday, May 12^th. The Mother’s Day House & Garden Tour is always a special treat and a wonderful way to honor one of the most important people in our lives…Mom.

Find more info and buy tickets here.

Welcome to our Newest MDA Board Members

admin — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 13:35:16 +0000

David Baker, Secretary

As the latest addition to the MDA Board, David Baker takes on the position of secretary and looks forward to making a contribution to the community and the neighborhood. He has lived in the District for four years, following three years in the Fan. He is a retired public relations and fundraising executive. For the past 12 years he worked with various nonprofits as a fundraiser and previously held positions in public relations in Washington, D.C., and Vancouver, B.C, Canada, in industry and government.

He is married to Celia Luxmoore and between them they have six grown children, three grandchildren, and two poodles (Sterling and Brulee). Watch for him walking the dogs in the neighborhood.

Bonnie Phipard, House Tour Co-Chair

Bonnie Phipard relocated from rural Leesburg, VA, to the Museum District last year. After retiring as CEO of a Dulles, VA, based staffing business, Bonnie is now busy remodeling her 1927 home, Co-Chairing the MDA Mother’s Day House & Garden Tour, and caring for her two grand-dogs. While raising her family and running a business, Bonnie was active in a variety of other volunteer efforts including the Loudoun County Community Services Board, Loudoun County NAMI and numerous organizations. Bonnie is also working on her bucket list which includes hosting an antique booth with Though the Garden Gate Antiques.

Bonnie Predd, Program Chair

Bonnie is a retired consumer marketing executive who moved to Richmond in 2011 from Seattle, WA. Her 20+ years of corporate management and focus on community collaboration led her to a number of volunteer opportunities and community leadership roles over the years. Bonnie received her Bachelor of Science in Business at Marymount College of Fordham University and completed work toward an MPA degree. Her unique and wide-ranging skill set will be put to work as the MDA program chair with oversight of the many events sponsored by the MDA.

Kimberly Reiff, Environmental Chair

A native New Yorker, Kimberly arrived in the Museum District in 1994. She currently works as the environmental health and safety director and vice president of operations for an industrial painting contractor in Richmond.

Kimberly says her love of gardening was passed down from her mother and her Sicilian grandfather and she looks forward to each spring planting season. Don’t be surprised to see her walking – running – through the neighborhood. She’s an avid runner and expects to spend even more time exploring the streets and alleys of the district in her position as environmental chair.

What’s Happening On Roseneath?

admin — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 13:25:48 +0000

Have you noticed the new Ginkgoes on Roseneath? These soon-to-be beauties are planted from Patterson to Monument. Next year, as part of the overall plan, existing (and often diseased) trees will be removed from Patterson to Grove and replaced with more Ginkgoes. These types of beautification projects are but one of the ways the MDA is in service to the neighborhood.

RSVP for the 2013 Spring Fling

admin — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 14:26:54 +0000

Mark your calendars and join us for a delightful evening on Thursday, May 2nd from 5:30-7:30 PM at Maury Place at Monument, 3101 W Franklin St.

This Old Home – 2905 Monument Ave

admin — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 21:57:10 +0000

by Robert Traub

Beyond the Boulevard and past the stately homes of the 2300 and 2400 blocks, Monument Avenue transforms into a mixture of apartment buildings and duplexes, modest homes and row houses.

Once considered Richmond’s western-most border, the Boulevard served for the better part of a century as the city proper’s boundary. It wasn’t until the early nineteenth century, as Richmond’s population grew at an exponential rate, that rapid expansion forced the construction of multi-unit dwellings to meet the ever-growing demand for housing in Richmond. This working-class neighborhood would later become home to the Virginia Historical Society and the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and would come to be known simply as the Museum District.

It is here, at 2905 Monument Avenue, that we find the home of Mr. Robert Traub and Ms. Patricia Stewart.

Nestled between an apartment building and another duplex, this home, thought to be built in 1913, exemplifies both the character and charm of the Museum District. Designed by noted architect W. Duncan Lee, this classic Georgian-revival style house, with portico and simple Doric columns, slate roof and Flemish-style masonry contrast the surrounding structures lacking ornamentation.

The duplex was originally occupied by Asher and Nathan Simon and Leon Nelson. Mr. Nathan Simon, a Richmond tailor, with a storefront located at 718 East Main Street, remained in the duplex at 2905 Monument Avenue until 1922. It is then that Mrs. S. M. Kirsh purchased Mr. Simon’s interest in the duplex, where she would remain until sometime in 1932. Correlating records suggest that in 1937 a Ms. Sadie Meyer Kirsh, presumably the same, had moved to 2616 Monument Avenue and was listed as a widow. There is no mention of Asher and and Nathan Simon after 1932. Mr. Leon Nelson is mentioned as a named partner at the firm of Nelson and Nelson.

Meet One of the Museum District’s Longest-Term Residents

admin — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 21:55:14 +0000

By Danielle Wilson

In a neighborhood rapidly changing, one house on Hanover Avenue in the Museum District has stayed the same, and so has its owner. James “Jimmy” Boehling has been a fixture on this street for decades.

“I’ve lived here 86 years, I wasn’t born here but I was just a ten month-old baby when they brought me here,” said Boehling, whose family moved to the Hanover Avenue home in 1926 from a smaller house on Allen Avenue.

They needed more space for their growing family and wanted to be near St. Benedict’s Parish, where the family attended services weekly and the children went to school. Boehling says back then the neighborhood was filled with 30 children laughing, playing and growing up together.

During his childhood on Hanover Avenue, Boehling played baseball in nearby fields that are now paved parking lots, he ice skated on ponds that no longer freeze in the winter, and frequented corner markets now torn down.

Hi-tech automobiles have replaced streetcars, milk and ice are no longer delivered daily on a truck and farming is not the primary industry in the area anymore. But for 87-year-old Boehling, time has stood still. His home is the same five-bedroom, two-bathroom house he grew up in with his 12 brothers and sisters.

An antique radio sits upstairs in one of the home’s five bedrooms. In another bedroom, an original Singer sewing machine sits by one of the beds with a basket filled with needles, pins and thread. A portrait of his grandmother hangs over the fireplace as it has been since 1988, when his mother died.

“My mother had it there so I just left everything like it was when she died so I just left all these pictures and furniture just like she had it,” said Boehling referring to the portrait.

Some things have changed over the years. Central heat now warms the home in place of the large fireplaces. He has updated his kitchen a little, by adding in a modern flat top stove, refrigerator, microwave and toaster oven. A flat screen TV sits in a room adjacent to the kitchen.

Boehling and his home are a treasure to his neighborhood in its own right. Kathy Stein, like many of Boehling’s neighbors, was attracted to Hanover Avenue because of the history of the homes and the architectural detail. She has found Boehling to be one of the hidden jewels of her neighborhood.

“I think it’s probably one of the most endearing things about this street. He knows all the stories of all our homes and makes us appreciate not just the architecture but the story behind it as well,” said Stein.

Boehling has become the unofficial neighborhood historian and his home serves as a historical artifact. Jimmy Boehling plans on staying on Hanover Avenue for years to come.

“I want to stay here by myself as long as I can, you know I like this neighborhood. I would have a hard time leaving it,” said Boehling.

Danielle Wilson is a graduate journalism student at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. who has chosen to showcase the Museum District as part of her graduate studies. She is a native of Danville, VA and currently resides in Richmond. She holds a B.S. in Mass Communications and Spanish from VCU.