November 2025: Special Use Permit Updates
Hello Neighbors – We wanted to share with all of you the latest updates related to the Special Use Permit (SUP) for 1836 Park!
First, following lots of additional conversation with and input from all of you, we’ve updated the Special Event Management Plan (SEMP) for 1836 Park Ave’s proposed community event structure and parameters. We are posting the updated version here.
In the context of a SUP/SEMP, “Event” is a term that can mean everything from a small group yoga class to a seated performance to anything in between. So we’re aiming to give everyone a clearer picture of how events of all kinds and sizes might look. Below you can find:
Three charts summarizing how “Events” are defined and how they will work;
An overview of important requirements for all events; and
An overview of the SEMP and recent changes to it.
A link to download the full SEMP document is at the bottom of the page.
We will be holding three additional community meetings to discuss these changes and hear community feedback. We anticipate scheduling these next events in late November, early December, and early January and will send out dates/times when they are finalized.
We look forward to continued conversations! Meanwhile, please see below for more information.
Summary: Events at 1836 Park
Overview: Important information on all events
Here are a few important things all events have in common:
Most “events” at 1836 Park are daytime events. All events (regardless of category) are required to conclude by 10:30pm.
All events with more than 75 guests are required to provide valet/offsite lot parking, with guests who choose to drive dropping vehicles offsite and arriving at 1836 on foot or by drop-off shuttle. We have confirmed One Monument and First Church of Christ Scientist lots as partners, and will continue to add more. Please find further information on parking in our FAQ. (Note: Traditional valet dropping off in front of 1836 Park may still be used in select circumstances, such as for less mobile guests.)
All events are required to take place on the 1836 Park property. When allowed, outdoor activity is restricted to the building’s property. (Note: Use of Meadow Park must be arranged separately through the City of Richmond; events using Meadow Park would not be permitted through this SUP.)
All events are restricted from using amplified sound outdoors or with any doors open. Amplified sound indoors will be uncommon. The space will be refurbished with the advice of an AV consultant to further minimize the impact of any noise. Please find further information on sound mitigation in our FAQ.
Guest counts are based on the square footage of the building (especially its main space) in different configurations and are well below building code restrictions.
Overview: Updates to the SEMP
Here are the primary updates to the SEMP in response to community feedback:
We have sharpened, simplified, and narrowed the descriptions of the ‘Event Types’ and added examples to help make each one clearer. (For example, a meeting of a neighborhood baby group might be considered an ‘Event’ – but no one would want it subject to the same guidelines as a nighttime performance!)
We have changed the definition of “Small Events” to 1-40 guests, down from 1-75.
We have reduced the total number of “Medium Events” from 50 to 48, with their guest count lowering from 75-100 to 40-100.
We have reduced the number of “Large Events” for 100-200 guests from 36 to 30.
We have removed language that created confusion about counting and “additional” events, including community events, weddings specifically, and events that utilize the building’s outdoor spaces. Any event in any of these categories is included in the above ranges.
As before, any event with 75 or more attendees will require offsite valet parking at a designated lot nearby, with attendant shuttle service to drop off guests. We have confirmed One Monument and First Church of Christ Scientist lots as partners, and will continue to add more. (Note: Traditional valet dropping off in front of the church may still be used in select circumstances, such as for less mobile guests.) Please find further information on parking in our FAQ.
