After months of stalled negotiations and public pressure over the underused historic Fort James site, local government officials announced this week that they are stepping in to take full ownership of the long-delayed redevelopment plan for the property.
The 42-acre riverfront site, which housed a decommissioned 19th-century military fort and later a closed paper manufacturing plant, has sat largely unused for nearly 15 years. Previous private development partnerships fell apart over financing gaps, conflicting zoning demands, and disagreements over how to preserve the site’s historic artifacts while delivering public amenities.
Under the new government-led framework, the project will prioritize mixed-income housing, public green space, a heritage center celebrating the fort’s military and industrial history, and new small business commercial spaces. Officials project the redevelopment will unlock an estimated $250 million in local economic activity, create more than 1,200 construction jobs, and deliver more than 800 permanent positions once completed.
Local community leaders have largely welcomed the move, noting that public control will ensure the project serves broad public needs rather than just private profit. Government planners have announced a 60-day public comment period to gather input from local residents on final design and amenity plans before breaking ground, which is scheduled for the second quarter of next year.