Placemaking Services in Downtown Richmond

Whether it’s wayfinding, beautification, or turning parking spaces into gathering places, we have a hand in placemaking efforts throughout downtown.​

What is Placemaking?

“Placemaking” is a people-centered approach to the planning, design, creation and management of public spaces. For us, an effective placemaking process results in inviting and well-maintained public spaces that contribute to Downtown Richmond’s health, happiness and well-being. We do this in small- and large-scale ways like decorative street banners, beautification along the Canal Walk and some of our downtown streets, advocating for multi-modal transportation options, and collaborating with community partners on long-term planning for downtown and riverfront public green spaces.​

Downtown Richmond Street Pole Banners

Street pole banners are a part of how Venture Richmond promotes downtown and all that it has to offer. We are responsible for managing the banner program and over 200 banner poles on behalf of the city. Our job is to create and maintain the banners and campaigns. If you see a banner that needs repair, please email contactus@venturerichmond.com.

Manchester Street Pole Banners

65 new street pole banners have been added to the Manchester neighborhood.

Manchester Floodwall Walk Enhancements

In 2023, 5 new kiosk map signs were added along Manchester's Floodwall Walk, 3 new trash cans, and 4 new dog bag dispensers.

Beautification Downtown

Whether it’s wayfinding or beautification, Venture Richmond has a hand in placemaking efforts to improve the quality of life in Downtown’s Service Districts.

Canal Walk and Riverfront 

• New shrubs, flowers, and trees planted along the Canal Walk and nearby street medians as part of the annual beautification of the area.
• New plants added as part of a botanical makeover of the Canal Walk east of Virginia Street, including summer perennials, blossoming trees and shrubs as well as other botanical enhancements. 
• Remove graffiti and repair vandalized locations along the Canal Walk. 

Downtown 

• Properties cleaned of large tag graffiti.
• Sidewalks power washed.
• Planters throughout downtown repainted and graffiti-proofed.
• Planters and hanging baskets added. 
• Seasonal plants installed in spring and fall along Broad, Grace, 3rd and 5th Streets including near the I-95 entry points. 

Manchester 

• 3 new murals painted by local artists, working with the Manchester Alliance and Hull Street Merchants Association to identify locations and artists in 2025. 
• Properties cleaned of large tag graffiti from buildings along and facing Hull Street. 
• Sidewalks power washed.
• In 2025, worked with the Manchester Task Force to hire community planners who conducted a Manchester Analysis and Concepts for the Future report, helping to inform neighborhood placemaking priorities.
• In 2025-26, continued working with the Department of Parks Recreation & Community Facilities to fund the removal and management of invasive plants and trees around the riverfront trails and climbing wall.