According to multiple sources, we are hearing that McDonald’s plans to relocate diagonally across Hull & Commerce Streets.

Apparently, the McDonald’s is in need of significant renovation. We are told the franchise has decided it would make more sense to build a new restaurant diagonally across the street, rather than renovating the current building, or rebuilding at the current location.

It is not clear when McDonald’s intends to begin construction, nor is it clear when they expect the new store to be complete. Apparently construction was supposed to have begun in 2015, but permitting with the City of Richmond delayed the franchise’s plans. As it currently stands, there is no obvious sign of any work that is about to commence at either location.

If the relocation and new construction does take place, it would be a somewhat favorable development. One can only hope that the new construction spruces up what has become an eyesore at the entrance to the Hull Street Business District at Semmes Avenue. It would also go a long way to filling a portion of what is currently an enormous empty parking lot that takes up an entire city block.

Now with that having been said, if McDonald’s does move, it begs the obvious question: What will be built at the current McDonald’s site? I am sure there are plenty of exciting possibilities for such a prominent location, but there are more questions than answers at this point. We will do our best to keep you updated as we learn more.