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To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a First Amendment to Lease Agreement between the City of Richmond, as lessor, and Cancer Retreat Centers, Inc., as lessee, for the purpose of allowing Cancer Retreat Centers, Inc., to expand the leased premises to include the second floor and an office on the third floor of Blanton House located at 700 Blanton Avenue. (5th District)
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THE CITY OF RICHMOND HEREBY ORDAINS:
§ 1. That the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, be and is hereby authorized to execute a First Amendment to Lease Agreement between the City of Richmond, as lessor, and Cancer Retreat Centers, Inc., as lessee, for the purpose of allowing Cancer Retreat Centers, Inc., to expand the leased premises to include the second floor and an office on the third floor of Blanton House located at 700 Blanton Avenue. The First Amendment to Lease Agreement shall be approved as to form by the City Attorney and shall be substantially in the form of the document attached to this ordinance.
§ 2. This ordinance shall be in force and effect upon adoption.
City of Richmond
Intracity Correspondence
DATE: May 20, 2026
TO: The Honorable Members of City Council
THROUGH: The Honorable Dr. Danny Avula, Mayor
THROUGH: Odie Donald II, Chief Administrative Officer
THROUGH: Amy Popovich, DCAO for Human Services
FROM: Christopher E. Frelke, Director of Parks, Recreation & Community Facilities
RE: Amended Lease Agreement between the City of Richmond and Cancer Retreat Centers, Inc., to expand the lease agreement to include the second floor and an office on the third floor of Blanton House, located at 700 Blanton Avenue.
ORD. OR RES. No.
PURPOSE: To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute an Amended Lease Agreement between the City of Richmond, as lessor, and Cancer Retreat Centers, Inc., as lessee, for the purpose of allowing Cancer Retreat Centers, inc., to expand the lease agreement to include the second floor and an office on the third floor of Blanton House, located at 700 Blanton Avenue. (5th District)
BACKGROUND: Cancer Retreat Centers and the Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities (PRCF) have partnered to provide charitable and educational services, as well as therapeutic, wellness, and recreational programs, to individuals diagnosed with cancer, along with their families, caregivers, and loved ones. This partnership aims to enhance quality of life and improve health outcomes for residents of the City of Richmond.
This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to advancing community health, wellness, and quality of life through accessible, nature-based experiences and programming. Cancer Retreat Centers offer specialized therapeutic and wellness activities such as yoga, walking, and outdoor recreation in peaceful, non-clinical environments. This partnership presents an opportunity to integrate health focused, inclusive programming into park settings, expand access to supportive services for vulnerable populations, and strengthen the role of public spaces as essential infrastructure for healing, connection, and overall community resilience.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: After introduction, the proposed ordinance will be referred to future Land Use, Housing and Transportation Standing Committee meeting for discussion, where the public is encouraged to attend to provide comments. After the committee’s recommendation to the City Council, Council will hold a public hearing regarding the proposed ordinance.
STRATEGIC INITIATIVES AND OTHER GOVERNMENTAL: Mayoral Action Plan: Thriving Neighborhoods
CONSIDERATION BY OTHER GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES: N/A.
FISCAL IMPACT / COST: No rent is being collected under the terms of this lease. The lessee will provide in-kind services (such as maintenance, upkeep, and programming responsibilities) in exchange for use of the property.
DESIRED EFFECTIVE DATE: Upon adoption
REQUESTED INTRODUCTION DATE: June 22, 2026
CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING DATE: July 27, 2026
REQUESTED AGENDA: Consent
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL COMMITTEE: Land Use, Housing and Transportation Standing Committee
AFFECTED AGENCIES: PRCF
RELATIONSHIP TO EXISTING ORD. OR RES.: Ordinance No. 2024-294
ATTACHMENTS: First Amendment to Lease Agreement
STAFF: Christopher Frelke, Director, PRCF - (804) 646-1128
Nissa Richardson, Deputy Director, PRCF - (804) 646-5619
Daniel Hazlett, Senior Management Analyst, PRCF - (804) 646-7506