This page shares updates on the conceptual planning for a new community center and park at 360 Harbour Way South, replacing the former Martin Luther King (MLK) Jr. Community Center. The project is being shaped through a community-driven process and is part of the Nystrom United Revitalization Effort (NURVE).
Project Description
The City of Richmond is developing conceptual plans for a new MLK Community Center and Park at 360 Harbour Way South. Community members are actively sharing ideas and voting on preferred architectural styles and program elements for the future center and park.
Project Timeline & Updates
Project Background
The original Martin Luther King (MLK) Jr. Community Center at 360 Harbour Way South was a valued community asset. In December 2009, the facility suffered major damage from vandalism and flooding, including significant copper theft. Due to the extent of the damage, the Richmond City Council authorized demolition (approved April 2010).
From the project’s inception, replacement of the MLK Center has been directed as an integral part of the NURVE plans. This project fulfills that directive by designing and constructing a replacement center through a community-driven process.
Funding
- Project Management (Community Center & Park): $25,000
- Landscape Architect (Park): $75,000
- Landscape Architect (Community Center): $150,000
- Landscape Architect (Community Center): $102,570
Note: “Conceptual Design” amounts above are total allocations. Line items show the breakdown by use.
Additional Information
Progress Reports
- Progress Report 1 (August 15, 2025): View / Download
- Progress Report 2 (October 20, 2025): View / Download
Outreach
Completed
- July 19, 2025 – Coronado Neighborhood Council Meeting
- July 24, 2025 – Santa Fe Neighborhood Council Meeting
- August 5, 2025 – Richmond National Night Out @ Santa Fe National Night Out
- October 9, 2025 – Community Meeting #1 @ Nystrom Elementary School: Community Meeting #1 Event Photos
- January 14, 2026 – Community Meeting #2 @ Nystrom Elementary School
Upcoming
- February 25, 2026 – Community Meeting #3 @ Nystrom Elementary School
Outreach Materials
- National Night Out Short Survey: English + Spanish
- Long Survey (Neighborhood Councils): English + Spanish
- Short Survey (Community Meeting #1): English + Spanish
- Community Meeting #1 – Flyer: Community Meeting #1 Postcard
- Community Meeting #1 – Presentation Boards: Community Meeting #1 Presentation Boards
- Community Meeting #1 – Presentation Slides: Community Meeting #1 Presentation Slides
- Community Meeting #2 – Flyer: Coming Soon
- Community Meeting #2 – Presentation Boards: Coming Soon
- Community Meeting #2 – Presentation Slides: Coming Soon
- Community Meeting #3 – Flyer: Coming Soon...
Outreach Analysis
- National Night Out – Survey Results & Analysis: National Night Out Survey Results & Analysis
- Community Meeting #1 – Survey Results & Analysis: Community Meeting #1 Survey Results & Analysis
- Community Meeting #1 – Event Analysis: Community Meeting #1 Event Analysis
- LIVE! Community Meeting #2 - Post Survey: LINK
Last updated: January 2026