Project Summary
The First Freedom Center’s mission is to advance the fundamental human rights of freedom of religion and freedom of conscience. Situated in downtown Richmond’s historic Shockoe Slip, the First Freedom Center stands alongside two hotels, showcasing a 7,000 square foot courtyard created by the U-shaped building. Our Landscape Architects collaborated with the architects to dream up a pocket park that invites the public to the grand front steps of the hotel and Freedom Center while still maintaining private and flexible space for overnight hotel visitors within the gates. Elaborate brick edging, granite stairs, and ornamental iron fencing establish clean lines in the courtyard that are softened by vibrant native plants with foliage, scents, and textures that appeal to the senses. Seat walls with raised planters offer places to wait or rest within the space while cozy tables and chairs offer another place for relaxation. All elements of the landscape design work in concert with the architecture to create a palette for the courtyard that is unique to the City of Richmond.