RICHMOND, Va -- Cyclists and cycling fans from around the globe are going to be in Richmond for the UCI Bike Race in just 49 days.
"It certainly puts us on the world stage,” said Richmond Mayor Dwight Jones.
In the months leading up to the world wide event the city announced sweeping projects. The planting of hundreds of trees, miles of paving and new sidewalks were some of the new additions to the city.
"The old Richmond is gone and is not coming back," said Mayor Jones.
Now there is another major city improvement underway, an overhaul at the neglected Kanawha Plaza.
"Long time coming. Long overdue," said Jones.
An eyesore for decades, the rundown spot in the heart of downtown is undergoing a multi-million dollar project paid for with public and private money.
"This park has been sitting here and nobody using it and in bad disrepair," said Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, Debra Gardner.
Demolition started today. Level green space, less concrete, Improved access and large canopies are some of the changes that will be made.
"Once everyone leaves take a sigh and enjoy a wonderful event and come back in and finish up and do the wonderful things," said Executive Director of EnRichmond, John Sydnor.
As for the much talked about bike share program?
"We’re working on it and I'm hoping it will be in place by the time we get to UCI." Dwight Jones
Race visitors may notice the improvement but leaders said the new Kanawha Plaza will endure long after the last cyclist rides out of town.
"We know it will look better than it looks now when UCI comes, but this is not about UCI this is about the city," said Dwight Jones.
People who live and work in downtown Richmond can expect to see the heavy equipment demolishing the Kanawha Plaza walls for the next couple of weeks.
The entire project in downtown Richmond should take several months lasting through 2016.
