Hilbert suggested he’ll reserve final judgment until a formal proposal is on the table.

“If the numbers work for the city, then I’m willing to listen to a plan,” Hilbert said.

The mayor also touted the importance of the hospital project.

“Our region would be well-served by a free-standing, independently operated children’s hospital,” Jones said. “The city of Richmond certainly would do everything we can to gain the opportunity to house such a facility within the city, where it can be easily accessible to all.”

The Boulevard site lies in the district of City Council President Charles R. Samuels.

“I have heard nothing official,” said Samuels, 2nd District. “I have heard rumors and whispers about potential opportunities.”

Samuels said no one has approached him or, to his knowledge, anyone on the council, with details on a revised Shockoe plan or a new development plan for the Boulevard.

A private development firm, The Rebkee Co., has released details of its proposal for a privately built ballpark on the Boulevard, which would also give Rebkee the rights to develop the rest of the site.