From Terminal Vision to District Transformation

Intermediate Terminal Warehouse Concept by Architectural Designer Shane Powers, arch-well

Richmond, Virginia’s

Endorsements

Public

Alexander Whiteway, Founder, Managing Partner, Modern Ancients
“I endorse the coalition’s call to pause an ITB-only decision and pursue a district-scale vision. We must create spaces that are inclusive and holistic, serving not just short-term needs but long-term prosperity.”

Shane P Powers (Architect, Arch-well)
“I endorse the coalition’s call to pause an ITB-only decision and pursue a district-scale vision. Because this building and property have more to offer when integrated into a broader district, the city can unlock greater value for Richmond.”

Devon Lee Phaneuf (Project Manager, Veolia Water Tech NORAM)
“I endorse the coalition’s call to pause an ITB-only decision and pursue a district-scale vision. The derivative of a city is its culture, so it is important that development uplifts culture across the riverfront rather than limiting the opportunity.”

Anonymous

A Richmond CEO
“I endorse the coalition’s call to pause an ITB-only decision and pursue a district-scale vision.”

A Community Leader
“Improve Richmond.”

[More endorsements coming soon. Your voice is needed. Join the coalition by signing today.]

Unlocking An East Riverfront Innovation District

An unprecedented opportunity exists in this moment — to reimagine the East Riverfront — uniting leaders to transform the Intermediate Terminal Building (ITB) into the anchor of a thriving, innovation-driven waterfront district.

Join the East Riverfront Innovation Coalition.

Add your voice to shape Richmond’s riverfront future.

Moving Beyond the Terminal Vision Problem

Context & Commentary

This initiative is supported by Andreas Addison, CEO of Civic Innovator, Advisor, and incoming Chief Innovation Officer at Character Developer. Andreas brings deep institutional knowledge as a former Richmond City Council Member (2017–2024) and as the City’s first Civic Innovator, where he led nationally recognized smart city partnerships with IBM and Code for America.

His commentary on the Terminal Vision Problem underscores why the Intermediate Terminal Warehouse decision should be considered in the context of an entire East Riverfront Port District.

Reach out if you would like to learn more about his upcoming talk with the Urban Land Institute on the matter.

Cities have long been shaped by narrowly scoped decisions and fragmented strategies.

Today, we have the opportunity — and responsibility — to change course.

Join the

East Riverfront Innovation Coalition

Who We Are

The East Riverfront Innovation Coalition, convened by Character Developer, a Modern Ancients technology, brings together developers, aec professionals, civic leaders, universities, nonprofits, local independent businesses, investors, and community residents to co-create a vision for an East Riverfront Port District.

Our Mission

Transform fragmented efforts into shared opportunity — by uniting community, civic, and industry visions under a district-wide strategy.

Honor and amplify every contributor — ensuring proposals, ideas, and lived experiences remain credited, visible, and integral to the whole.

Empower stakeholders with intelligence — through Character Developer — our AI-powered platform for civic alignment, economic foresight, and design collaboration.

Foster lasting prosperity — by embedding transparency, equity, and long-term resilience into every decision shaping the built environment.

Key Participants

  • Urban planners and developers

  • Local universities and educational anchors

  • AEC Professionals

  • Environmental and maritime advocates

  • Emerging technology partners

  • Civic leadership and residents

Your Vision, Your Legacy

This is #characterdeveloper

National + Global Inspiration for Richmond

Proven Models. Measurable Impact.

Adaptive reuse projects worldwide have unlocked billions in value, created thriving job ecosystems, and transformed civic identity. Richmond now has the chance to join them.

“Adaptive reuse has transformed riverfronts across the country and globally. Richmond can lead — but only if we act collectively.”
— Alexander Whiteway, Founder & Managing Partner, Modern Ancients

Richmond’s Opportunity

The Intermediate Terminal Building as a Catalyst

The ITB isn’t just a redevelopment site — it’s the gateway to a future-ready riverfront. Through Character Developer, we’re simulating economic, cultural, and technological scenarios to ensure decisions today create sustainable prosperity tomorrow.

Key Advantages of a District-Scale Approach

Economic Resilience: Layered investment strategy across ~19 city-owned parcels.

Cultural Continuity: Honoring Richmond’s maritime heritage while amplifying its creative identity.

Innovation Alignment: Positioning Richmond as a hub for ethical AI, education, and emerging technologies.

Community Equity: Prioritizing inclusive development that balances public access and private growth.

Intermediate Terminal Warehouse Concept by Architectural Designer Shane Powers, arch-well

How to Get Involved

Join the Coalition —Shape Richmond’s Future.

Together, we’re creating a model for district transformation — one where stakeholders aren’t competing but collaborating.

Ways to Participate

Sign the Coalition Statement

Add your name in support of a district-wide approach.

Share Your Vision

See where your vision aligns with others through Character Developer’s mapping tools.

Attend Upcoming Sessions

Participate in workshops, roundtables, and strategy forums.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not competing, but supporting — Enabling EDA’s flexibility — Bigger picture, stronger outcomes

  • No. We are not submitting a competing design or development proposal. The coalition is a supporting effort — helping the EDA align proposals, voices, and community engagement so the ITB becomes part of a stronger district-scale vision.

  • Because timing matters. The EDA has reserved flexibility in the RFP to combine proposals or broaden scope. This coalition provides cover and credibility for the Authority to use that option wisely.

  • Not at all. A district-scale approach prevents fragmentation and wasted resources down the line. Pausing briefly now saves time, cost, and risk later.

  • It strengthens them. Proposals are considered not in isolation but as part of a bigger, more investable vision. Coalition endorsements and tools like Character Developer help winning teams negotiate more confidently with the EDA.

  • It affirms their authority and flexibility under the RFP, shows broad stakeholder alignment, and reduces risk of pushback later. In short: it supports the EDA’s process, rather than challenging it.

  • Character Developer is a new civic intelligence platform piloted in Richmond. It provides economic modeling, scenario planning, and engagement tools that show how ITB can tie into a larger Port District framework. It’s an added tool to strengthen decision-making.

  • The coalition includes a mix of nonprofits, businesses, civic leaders, community organizations, and developers. The signatory list is included in the coalition packet and will continue to grow as more voices join.

  • The ITB is the catalyst. The real opportunity is a coordinated Port District redevelopment that connects housing, tourism, innovation, culture, and community. That’s how Richmond maximizes its once-in-a-generation riverfront opportunity.

  • Contact:
    Alexander Whiteway
    Founder & Managing Partner, Modern Ancients
    CEO, Character Developer
    📧 weare@modernancients.com | 📞 804.381.1078

About Character Developer


The Platform Powering Civic Intelligence

A single platform where communities, developers, civic leaders, nonprofits, universities, and investors align around shared opportunities. Character Developer integrates community voices, design concepts, economic foresight, policy frameworks, and investment strategies — turning fragmented efforts into coordinated, resilient development.

(Website + Mobile App, coming soon.)