When I moved to Richmond in the summer of 1984, downtown was a ghost town. Like many American cities still suffering from the white flight of the late 60’s, the middle class escaped to the relative safety of the suburbs after the social unrest of that turbulent era leaving the nation’s inner cities to rot. And that it did. By the time I got here, the rot was of epic proportions. You could walk block after block downtown and never see another human being besides transvestites selling their services to the occasional car passing by.

Despite this, Richmond was our playground. Rent was dirt-cheap. I lived and practiced in an old freezer in the Richmond Dairy building for a grand total of 25 bucks a month. In the midst of this urban decay, a vibrant art and music scene arose. I seriously doubt that GWAR would have been able to blossom into the profane, world renown performing entity that it is today if it were not for the abundance of available space and ridiculously low rents downtown was then.

I bring this up because I went to the newly renovated National Theater for the first time this last Friday night. In the late ’80s a couple of us broke into the building and we were amazed that the city would let such an obvious cultural treasure rot to the point that it was uninhabitable. Floors were missing, the roof was falling apart and the only inhabitants of the building were pigeons and dog sized rats that had no fear of humans. It was a scary place. Not only because of the rodents and the street crime that surrounded the theater, but the absolute lack of government involvement that aided and abetted its tragic fall from grace.

Today, The National has been restored to its former greatness. Knowing first hand the pitiful state that the place was once in, the reported 15 million-plus dollars that went into its renovation was well spent. The place is stunning and I can safely say that this city in the 20-plus years I have called our fair humble southern abode home has never had a better place to see a live performance. The sight lines are impressive regardless of where you stand (or sit), the sound is stellar and the room itself stands next to New York’s Beacon Theater or DC’s Warner Theater as one of the East Coast’s most elegant and well-thought-out live music venues. I walked around that night uncontrollably uttering expletives of astonishment that a theater of such undeniable stature was actually open for business within the city limits. It truly is an amazing place.

I just hope Richmond appreciates the time, effort and money that went into restoring the National Theater to a regional jewel from its former home to vermin self. God knows I do. Over the years, I’ve seen various attempts to revitalize downtown (Sixth Street Market Place, Main Street Station, etc.) fail and fail miserably due to poor planning and government ineptitude. One only has to look to the continuing shell game con of the yet-to-be built Performing Arts Center to realize that many prefer to fleece the city instead of actually helping it. Over my years here, it’s become painfully evident that out elected officials can’t be trusted to do anything downtown. It has only been through tireless, street level involvement of private citizens that has truly rejuvenated the city.
It’s a trend I’d like to see continue.

Attention cschmidt and others seeking after-show watering holes:

GIBSON’s, a new and sleek restaurant/bar under the management of Johnny and Katrina Giavos will be opening within a couple of months at the 7th and Broad corner of The National.  It will be on the ground and basement levels connected by an elevator.  Also, the rejuvenated Miller and Rhoads Hilton Garden Inn a block away will have at least three restaurants/bars. Opening of the hotel/condo will be in early 09.

Toads Place is unbelievable too,although not as nice as the National.Two huge steps for live music in Richmond.

I made it to the B-52s show and was so proud that Richmond got this one right. Standing in the crowd before the show began, I talked to folk who had traveled into town from West Virginia, Norfolk and D.C.  On a Sunday night.  To Downtown Richmond.  Now, if only there had been a nice watering hole within walking distance after the show, but I believe that’ll come soon.

I could not agree more.  Everywhere you look inside the theater you’ll see ornate details.  It’s beautiful; much better than a $20 million dollar hole in the ground in my opinion.

Glad you made it to The National to discover what it is doing for downtown and the music scene in Richmond.
But your tardiness in discovering the reconditioned gem at 7th and Broad makes one wonder about your comment regarding the performing arts center you claim is yet-to-be-built.

Regardless of your singular and personal take on RCS most are excited about the project. Its upcoming programming may not be to your taste, but if you think progress is not being made to add another dimension to downtown’s vitality and entertainment resurgence, have a look at http://www.richmondcenterstage.com and click “What’s New.”

Incidentally, the National’s new marquee still being assembled will, according to reports, look very similar to the one in the photograph accompanying your story.