A July 1973 photograph shows construction of the Elder-Beerman department store at Sixth and Main streets in downtown Richmond. The project was dedicated in February 1974 for redevelopment of land cleared by April 6, 1968, explosions. A March 25, 2026, photo shows that crews have been raising brick along the exterior of the new 6Main apartments. Work advances on the $38 million, 150-unit development with ground-floor retail and a projected spring 2027 opening.
The 1968 blasts, sparked by a natural gas leak near the Marting Arms sporting goods store, killed 41 people and injured more than 100, with ensuing fires damaging or destroying numerous nearby businesses.
Two nearby monuments pay tribute to the victims. One at Fifth and Main remembers those lost and salutes those who helped with the city’s response and rebirth, while a newer monument on Wayne County Historical Museum’s grounds at 1150 N. A St. keeps the names of the victims in public view.
Today’s construction reflects continued reinvestment at a prominent downtown intersection shaped by decades of loss, rebuilding and change.
A version of this article appeared in the April 1 2026 print edition of the Western Wayne News.