Richmond’s iconic Craneway Pavilion may soon reopen after being closed for months, thanks to ongoing negotiations between the city and Orton Development. The historic bayfront venue, which covers 45,000 square feet, was shuttered following a dispute regarding its use for a pickleball club.
Former City Attorney Dave Aleshire stated that discussions have been taking place for several months regarding the city taking over management of the Craneway Pavilion. The city and Orton Development, which currently leases the property from Richmond for $1 annually, are exploring a deal that would allow the venue to return to community use.
District 5 Councilmember Sue Wilson expressed her appreciation for Orton Development and its founder, Eddie Orton, in a recent newsletter, describing their decision to potentially donate the venue back to the city as “truly generous”. Wilson highlighted that Orton Development could have pursued other options for the building but chose to prioritize the community.
The Craneway Pavilion is part of the historic Ford Assembly Plant, which has undergone significant renovations since Orton Development took over in 2004. Aleshire noted that millions have been invested in maintaining and improving the site, further solidifying its importance to the Richmond community.
A debate surfaced in 2023 when Orton Development and PB Development Group sought to establish a pickleball club in the pavilion. While many pickleball enthusiasts welcomed the idea of indoor courts, others expressed concern that traditional community events, such as the Rosie the Riveter festival and Fourth of July celebrations, would be sidelined.
The State Lands Commission, which has joint oversight of the property, indicated that the proposed use for a pickleball club was not compliant with existing agreements, which limit activities at the venue. Despite this, city officials were unable to prevent the opening of the courts. The situation escalated, leading to the closure of the courts in June 2023 due to unpaid rent issues between Orton and PB Development Group.
Wilson, who organized a protest against the pickleball club, stressed the importance of the Craneway Pavilion as a space for public events. “Laying down courts in that space meant that it could no longer be used for the dozens of public events that many Richmonders loved attending,” she said.
Looking ahead, the future of the venue remains uncertain. Wilson expressed hope that the Craneway could reopen in time for this year’s Fourth of July celebrations, after being dormant last year. Before the city assumes operation of the site or seeks a new operator, an assessment of the property must be conducted.
Inspection efforts began this week, following the City Council’s approval of a $169,500 contract with consulting and engineering firm RDH Building Science to carry out the evaluation. Aleshire indicated that a draft agreement regarding the property could be presented to the City Council as early as January or February 2024. If approved, a 90-day escrow period would follow.
“The Craneway Pavilion could be one of the most significant sites in the city,” Aleshire remarked. “It’s basically the opening of the Bay that could be enjoyed by the whole community if we can find the right use.” The ongoing negotiations mark a critical point in determining the future of this cherished Richmond venue.
