Welcome Friends of Lavender Hill!
We care deeply about this community and share an interest in safety, peace, and responsible stewardship of property with our neighbors.
We applied for a special use permit for outdoor events in July 2024 in hopes the application would be evaluated and approved based on the substantial evidence and objective standards of the zoning ordinance. Unfortunately, subjective and speculative concerns have been elevated and standards applied more stringently to Lavender Hill than the other outdoor event spaces currently operating in the city.
Since purchasing this property, our owner has been repeatedly mishandled by city staff, suffered emotional distress and increasing monetary losses. To date, more than $15,000 has been spent navigating shifting permit requirements, city staff errors, and delays. Venue rental income decreased 45% between 2025 and 2024 and fell flat in 2026. No event rentals are currently booked for 2026 and beyond.
Support the Friends of Lavender Hill Fund
Your financial contributions will support advocacy, expert counsel, and technical expertise to help ensure fair, consistent, and equitable treatment for a Black woman-owned business navigating a complex and inconsistent land-use and permitting process. Your support helps address not only the future of Lavender Hill, but broader barriers that disproportionately impact minority entrepreneurs seeking to invest and operate in their own communities. All donations to the Friends of Lavender Hill Fund are fully tax deductible through our 501(c)(3) non-profit Green Label Richmond .
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Richmond Times Dispatch - May 6, 2026
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The Richmonder - May 12, 2026 | January 20, 2026 | January 8, 2026 |
WWBT 12News - January 12, 2026
We Believe
Everyone is welcome.
Environments inform attitudes and actions.
We travel faster alone, but farther together.
Everyone has gifts and talents to share in community.
Entrepreneurship can be a space of ease and enjoyment.
There is always a reason to celebrate.
Environments inform attitudes and actions.
We travel faster alone, but farther together.
Everyone has gifts and talents to share in community.
Entrepreneurship can be a space of ease and enjoyment.
There is always a reason to celebrate.