The acquisition of the island’s last privately owned parcel clears a major hurdle for Richmond’s plans to create a public park along the James River.
The long-running effort to transform Mayo Island into a public park took a major step forward this week after the Capital Region Land Conservancy acquired the last privately owned parcel on the island, removing one of the final obstacles to unified public ownership.
The quarter-acre property at 510 S. 14th Street was purchased from 510 Property LLC, an entity owned by Louis Heindl. The site had remained outside city control even after Richmond acquired approximately 15 acres of Mayo Island in 2024 as part of a nearly $15 million deal that set the stage for the island’s future conversion into public parkland.
With the acquisition complete, the Capital Region Land Conservancy (CRLC) plans to work with the City of Richmond to eventually transfer the parcel for inclusion in the future Mayo Island Park. The move would bring the entire island under unified ownership for the first time in decades.
“This acquisition represents the culmination of more than five years of negotiations and work to acquire Mayo’s Island for a park,” said CRLC Executive Director Parker Agelasto in a statement. Agelasto noted that while the parcel is relatively small, it fills a significant gap in the center of the planned park and creates additional opportunities for future development of the space.
The property includes a 1,290-square-foot building originally constructed in 1933 as a service station. Although the structure sits within a federal floodway and could not be built under current regulations, officials say it is expected to remain and may eventually support park operations, environmental education programs, public art initiatives, volunteer activities, concessions, or other community uses.
Richmond officials say the acquisition also provides greater flexibility for future planning surrounding the replacement of Mayo Bridge. Under private ownership, the city was required to maintain access from the parcel to a public right-of-way. With that requirement removed, planners can consider additional options for how the bridge will connect to the future park.
Mayo Island has long been viewed as one of Richmond’s most significant untapped public spaces. Situated between downtown Richmond and Manchester at the falls of the James River, the island has historically served a variety of industrial, commercial, and recreational purposes. In recent years, city leaders, conservation groups, and residents have pushed for its transformation into a riverfront destination focused on public access, recreation, environmental restoration, and cultural programming.
The city’s broader vision for Mayo Island includes removing large areas of asphalt and other impervious surfaces while expanding opportunities for trails, river access, environmental education, and public gathering spaces. The acquisition of the final privately held parcel marks another milestone in moving that vision from planning to reality.
The City of Richmond and CRLC say they will continue working with residents, environmental organizations, and community stakeholders as planning for the future park moves forward.
Mayor Danny Avula shared the following statement: “The acquisition of the final privately held parcel on Mayo’s Island marks a significant step forward for the City of Richmond and our vision for the James River. This important milestone is critical to the ongoing effort to transform Mayo’s Island into a vibrant public park and riverfront destination. By bringing the entire island under unified ownership, we can advance plans that expand public access, celebrate the river’s natural beauty, and create a welcoming space for residents and visitors for generations to come.”
Chief Administrative Officer Odie Donald II shared the following statement: “This acquisition continues progress in alignment with the Mayor’s pillar for thriving neighborhoods, ultimately delivering a park that reflects both the city’s goals and the community’s vision.”
Main image: Mayo Island courtesy of Capital Region Land Conservancy
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