Brown’s Island closed for $30 million improvement project

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Brown's Island is now closed as developers begin construction on a $30 million improvement project.

On Tuesday, Dec. 2, Richmond leaders and business partners shared information on the recent milestone on the Brown's Island improvement project.

According to Farhad Agdhami, chair of the Venture Richmond Board, the $30 million project is expected to be completed in October 2026, just in time for the annual Richmond Folk Festival.

"Nearly eight years ago, Venture Richmond and a coalition of committed partners began advancing a simple yet powerful idea, that Brown's Island could be more," Agdhami said. "More accessible, more welcoming, more connected to the Riverfront that defines our city."

PREVIOUSLY: What to expect with Brown's Island improvement project

Agdhami also added that the reimagined Brown's Island would offer drinking water, a place for kids to play, as well as providing more shaded areas and native plants on the island.

Although the City of Richmond owns Brown's Island, the island is managed by Venture Richmond, per Agdhami.

The funding for the project's construction came from the City of Richmond and serves as a "vote of confidence" according to Agdhami.

Renderings for Brown's Island Improvement Project. (Courtesy of Venture Richmond)

Renderings for Brown's Island Improvement Project. (Courtesy of Venture Richmond)

Renderings for Brown's Island Improvement Project. (Courtesy of Venture Richmond)

Renderings for Brown's Island Improvement Project. (Courtesy of Venture Richmond)

Renderings for Brown's Island Improvement Project. (Courtesy of Venture Richmond)

Renderings for Brown's Island Improvement Project. (Courtesy of Venture Richmond)

Renderings for Brown's Island Improvement Project. (Courtesy of Venture Richmond)

Renderings for Brown's Island Improvement Project. (Courtesy of Venture Richmond)

Renderings for Brown's Island Improvement Project. (Courtesy of Venture Richmond)

Renderings for Brown's Island Improvement Project. (Courtesy of Venture Richmond)

Renderings for Brown's Island Improvement Project. (Courtesy of Venture Richmond)

Renderings for Brown's Island Improvement Project. (Courtesy of Venture Richmond)

Renderings for Brown's Island Improvement Project. (Courtesy of Venture Richmond)

Renderings for Brown's Island Improvement Project. (Courtesy of Venture Richmond)

Renderings for Brown's Island Improvement Project. (Courtesy of Venture Richmond)

Renderings for Brown's Island Improvement Project. (Courtesy of Venture Richmond)

Renderings for Brown's Island Improvement Project. (Courtesy of Venture Richmond)

Renderings for Brown's Island Improvement Project. (Courtesy of Venture Richmond)

Renderings for Brown's Island Improvement Project. (Courtesy of Venture Richmond)

Renderings for Brown's Island Improvement Project. (Courtesy of Venture Richmond)

Renderings for Brown's Island Improvement Project. (Courtesy of Venture Richmond)

Renderings for Brown's Island Improvement Project. (Courtesy of Venture Richmond)

“The Brown’s Island Improvement Project has been a long time coming, and we could not be more excited to embark on this development,” said Richmond Mayor Danny Avula. “The events and attractions that take place on Brown’s Island are a major economic driver for the City, which is why this project is a wise investment and has the full support of the City of Richmond.”