RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Richmond City Council has approved an ordinance to rename the street beside Virginia's one and only lesbian bar, Babes of Carytown, after its late owner, Vicky Hester. The council voted Monday night to designate South Auburn Avenue as "Vicky Hester Way" in honor of the bar' s founder. Babes is located at the corner of South Auburn Avenue and West Cary Street. City officials proposed the ordinance last month to honor Hester's legacy after she opened the bar 50 years ago and transformed it into "one of the nation's oldest continuously operating lesbian bars and one of Virginia's most significant LGBTQ+ landmarks." PREVIOUS: Richmond street may soon bear name of late Babes of Carytown owner, LGBTQ+ trailblazer "Because of her leadership, Babes remains a vital Richmond business and landmark in the heart of Carytown," wrote council policy analyst Steven Taylor in a memo to city council. "She has left an indelible mark on Carytown, Richmond and on generations of Virginians." Owner of Babes of Carytown, Vicky Hester. (Photo: Babes of Carytown)Vicky Hester, the late owner of Babes in Carytown. (Photos: Chas Warren)Vicky Hester, the late owner of Babes in Carytown. (Photos: Chas Warren)Vicky Hester, the late owner of Babes in Carytown. (Photos: Chas Warren) Ashley P. Rueger-Hester nominated Hester for the tribute, according to ordinance documents. "For countless Richmond residents and visitors, Babes was more than a business — it was a community gathering place, a safe haven, and a symbol of acceptance where lifelong friendships were formed, milestones were celebrated, and people found a sense of belonging," Rueger-Hester wrote. "Ms. Hester led with generosity, compassion and an unwavering commitment to serving others." Hester died in 2025 at the age of 71, "surrounded by loved ones," Babes announced one year ago. The Department of Public Works will install and maintain this commemorative sign. ...read more read less