West Avenue // Richmond's Fan District
West Avenue is a short, 6-block corridor, running one way from Harrison Street to Lombardy Street. While it is technically located within Richmond's famed Fan District, it is many times considered to be a 'neighborhood within a neighborhood' as it operates its own association often times separately from the politically active Fan District Association (FDA).
West Avenue's 'neighborhood within a neighborhood' reputation is best seen in the evenings as the street is transformed into part playground and part social gathering, much in the spirit of the urban culture of days past. West is known for its tight association amongst the residents and sponsors numerous events. Halloween is a signature event for West Ave as many of the city's residents travel to West to partake in the festivities. Despite its small geographic size, West has its own garden tour (in conjunction with Park Avenue.)
The Fan District, as it was developed, tended to gradually increase in lot size as it developed to the west with the eastern sections (such as West Ave) home to smaller footprints. West Avenue, located int he extreme NE corner of the Fan, has smaller lot sizes and thus much of the buildable lot area has been captured through additions or finished outdoor space. Many of the West Avenue homes have undergone significant renovation creating a consistent and stable environment for home values.
