The Well, Center for Healing and Humanity
Revitalizing the Historic Branch & Co. Building – Breaking Ground in Spring 2025
Reimagine Humanity in a Place Where History Meets Healing
Within The Well Collective, we know that true well-being thrives in community and that healing-centered spaces have the power to transform lives. We're grateful to announce the restoration of the historic Branch & Co. Building, a symbol of prosperity, resilience and progress in Richmond since 1861. This new development is more than a preservation of the physical landscape – it’s about creating a vibrant sanctuary for holistic wellness, education, personal growth, and meaningful connection, where everyone is welcome and empowered to thrive.
Before the Transformation:
After Concept Design: Renderings by Fultz and Singh
Healing Arts
Community Cafe + Kitchen
Reception + Administrative Offices
Multipurpose + Event Space
Multipurpose + Event Space
Outdoor Terrace + Classroom
Temporary Residences
Group Classrooms
Group Classrooms
The Well Collective will transform this 160-year-old building into a place where education, leadership development, healing arts and wellness programs, and community initiatives thrive.
We are raising funds to complete this renovation, with your contributions directly supporting a space designed to foster health, connection, and inclusivity.
Join Us in Acknowledging the Past and Building the Future
The Well, Center for Healing and Humanity, is envisioned as an intergenerational, multicultural space dedicated to fostering holistic well-being, leadership education, and community connection.
This initiative will highlight the pivotal role that Richmond has played in the American landscape, honor the descendants that built the Richmond city, and restore a historical space into a vibrant destination site for transformative culture-building, education and community engagement.
The Well, will undoubtedly serve as a model for bridging history and healing efforts through innovative, impactful and community-driven health and healing practices.
How Your Donations Will Make a Difference
Create welcoming gathering spaces that host educational and wellness programs, group classes, workshops, and community events that bring people together.
Build state-of-the-art health and wellness facilities including therapy rooms, saunas, and contemplative practice spaces to support physical, mental and emotional health
Provide temporary residence areas for individuals participating in our extended educational programs, retreats and short-term stays to ensure a safe and supportive environment.
Honor Richmond’s rich history while paving the way for a compassionate, equitable future, bridging the past and present for the community's well-being.
Our city, our community, and our world urgently need a space where we can come together to restore and elevate our shared humanity.
The Well Center for Healing and Humanity is that space—a place designed to honor each person’s identity, roots, and purpose in making our world better. In this building, we will cultivate a future where the value of every human life is prioritized through deep awareness, re-imagined education, and intentional connection. This is ancestral work that is laying a foundation for change that will echo across generations.
~ Ashley Williams, Founder
Creating a Legacy of Community and Healing
The historic Branch & Co. Building in downtown Richmond carries profound historical significance as a main site of commerce and 1 of 3 original iron front buildings in the city.
Originally built in 1861, it withstood the Evacuation Fire during the Civil War and later renovated and housed the Virginia Fire and Marine Insurance Company.
It stands today as a testament of our past, our present and our future. The Well, Center for Healing and Humanity will breathe new life into this space.
This project goes far beyond the restoration of a brick and mortar—it is about shifting systems by placing the highest value on people by rebuilding community bonds through restorative practices.
Let’s co-create a space for healing, education, and community—your contribution makes an impact.
Upcoming Events
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The Well Collective Family & Friends Building Tour
Date: October 24, 2024
Time: 6 PM – 8 PMRSVP Required
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A Gathering + Blessing Ceremony
Date: November 1, 2024
Time: TBD -
Women at The Well Building Tour & Social Hosted with Fultz & Singh
Date: November 6, 2025
Time: 6 PM – 8 PMRSVP Required
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Intention Setting Ceremony
Date: November 11, 2024
Time: 11:00 AMRSVP Required
Groundbreaking in Spring 2025
As we prepare to build The Well, Center for Healing and Humanity in Spring 2025, we invite you to join us in bringing this vision to life. Your support is essential in creating a landing space where healing, growth, and connection will flourish for generations to come. Together, we can build a space where our city, community and world can restore, thrive, and belong back to our wholeness.
Donate Today
Your generous donation will directly fund the construction and development of our wellness spaces.
100% Tax Deductible. The Well Collective is a 501c3 charitable not-for-profit organization. Your monetary contributions bridge the gap to fund scholarships, expand programming and support capacity building.
Frequently Asked Questions
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The New Building Fund Campaign is a community-driven effort to raise funds for the renovation and expansion of The Well Collective’s new home.
Our goal is to create a welcoming space that will serve as a hub for innovative engagement, community programming, and justice-centered initiatives, while expanding our capacity to support more individuals.
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All funds raised will go directly toward renovating the new building, including construction, furnishing, and ensuring the space meets the needs of our programs, events, and justice initiatives.
The project also includes accessibility improvements and the creation of designated spaces for holistic therapy modalities, collaborative meetings, workshops, and social gatherings.
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You can donate online via our secure donation portal above. We also accept donations by check or through corporate matching programs. Additionally, you can donate at any of our fundraising events or by contacting us directly to explore other giving options, such as sponsoring specific parts of the renovation.
Checks can be made out to The Well Collective and mailed to: 13 S 13th Street, Suite 100, Richmond, VA 23219, Attn: Building Fund.
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We offer several ways to give:
One-time donations of any amount.
Monthly giving plans that allow you to spread your donation over time.
Corporate sponsorships and matching gifts through your employer.
In-kind donations for materials or services related to the renovation.
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Yes! We offer opportunities for donors to sponsor specific rooms or areas of the building, as well as the option to donate in honor of a loved one or special cause.
For more information on sponsorship levels or tribute donations, please reach out to our team at admin@thewellcollective.space.
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We welcome community involvement! You can attend our fundraising events, volunteer your time or skills, spread the word on social media, or become a campaign ambassador by helping us raise awareness and funds.
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We have a series of fundraising events planned, including tours of the new building and other intimate gatherings from December 2024 through June 2025.
Check out our upcoming events for details and how to RSVP!
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The new space will be a the true definition of re-imagining community that benefits all. Local and global thought leaders, artists, educators and leaders will create an environment where individuals can access resources for self knowledge, collaboration, and healing for a just and equitable world.
It will address barriers to racial and health equity by bridging community gaps and prioritizing community engagement.