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In November 1985, Richmond’s historic Main Street Station reopened after a renovation to transform part of building into a shopping mall. One November 1985 advertisement described the new mall as having “The finest, most special specialty shops in all of Richmond.”
The $17 million project began in 1978 when David White and his partner Larry Shiflett started their efforts to redevelop the landmark. At first, their financing for the plan included a federal grant that ran into some delays with Richmond City Council until 1981. The deal was on the verge of going through when a fire broke out in October 1983, setting them back once again.
The mall finally opened in November 1985. The scheduled opening was November 7, 1985, but it was delayed by a week due to heavy rains and flooding. At its opening, the mall had 29 retail and seven food court tenants, a total of 70 percent of the spaces leased.
The train station’s mall never caught on however, and after just a few years, it closed in January 1988.

Main Street Station
11-14-1985 (cutline): Shoppers stroll in upper level of Main Street station mall.

Main Street Station
10-10-1983 (cutline): David White (left) and Larry Shifflett stand amidst broken roofing tiles on Main Street side of station which was badly damaged in fire.

Main Street Station
09-25-1985 (cutline): Shops are being constructed along the length of Main Street Station’s shed area.

Main Street Station
19-08-1983: Main Street Station after fire.

Main Street Station
01-29-1988 (cutline): Ron Bassfield pushes a cart of unsold goods out of store.

Main Street Station
05-13-1984: Main Street Station

Main Street Station
09-25-1985 (cutline): Workers prepare an escalator connecting two levels of the Main Street Station specialty retail mall.

Main Street Station
03-06-1985: Main Street Station

Main Street Station
05-13-1984 (cutline): Large openings have been cut in the floor of the station for stairways.

Main Street Station
11-14-1985 (cutline): Main Street Station, once a transportation hub of Richmond, reopened today as an urban shopping center.

Main Street Station
06-14-1986 (cutline): Main Street Station visitors sample offerings in the shopping mall food court.
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