Two associations that represent one of Richmond’s more popular retail areas are set to merge.
The Libbie Grove Association and the Patterson & Libbie Business District will at the beginning of 2014 become a single, and so far unnamed, organization.
The move comes as the two retail areas along the stretch of Libbie Avenue and between Patterson and Grove avenues are being drawn closer together by development.
“I really believe [the city] kind of views our area as one area already,” Libbie Grove Association President Ryan Andrew said. “Over time, the two areas are going to connect, so it really just made sense for us to work together now.”
Andrew said the associations are dealing with the same major issues.
First is the future use of the Westhampton School building at the corner of Patterson and Libbie. Bon Secours and the city have a deal that will give the health company use of the property. Andrew said the associations hope to make sure the “character of the area” is preserved in any new development.
Both Libbie Grove and Patterson & Libbie also struggle with parking, he said.
Also on the horizon for the area is the Tiber, a new $8 million, 15-unit condominium project that broke ground last week at 510 Libbie Ave. The project’s developer said construction is scheduled to be completed in about 18 months.
“We’re hoping that that will be a springboard for future development,” Andrew said.
One of the newest retailers to set up shop in the area is Collared Greens, a North Carolina-based men’s apparel company known for its bow ties.
The merger will bring the total membership in the combined association to about 100 businesses.
“Overall we have the same issues and same goals really from a marketing standpoint and just trying to promote our area,” Andrew said. “We compete with Short Pump, Carytown and other shopping districts throughout the area. Working together will really help us.”
Two associations that represent one of Richmond’s more popular retail areas are set to merge.
The Libbie Grove Association and the Patterson & Libbie Business District will at the beginning of 2014 become a single, and so far unnamed, organization.
The move comes as the two retail areas along the stretch of Libbie Avenue and between Patterson and Grove avenues are being drawn closer together by development.
“I really believe [the city] kind of views our area as one area already,” Libbie Grove Association President Ryan Andrew said. “Over time, the two areas are going to connect, so it really just made sense for us to work together now.”
Andrew said the associations are dealing with the same major issues.
First is the future use of the Westhampton School building at the corner of Patterson and Libbie. Bon Secours and the city have a deal that will give the health company use of the property. Andrew said the associations hope to make sure the “character of the area” is preserved in any new development.
Both Libbie Grove and Patterson & Libbie also struggle with parking, he said.
Also on the horizon for the area is the Tiber, a new $8 million, 15-unit condominium project that broke ground last week at 510 Libbie Ave. The project’s developer said construction is scheduled to be completed in about 18 months.
“We’re hoping that that will be a springboard for future development,” Andrew said.
One of the newest retailers to set up shop in the area is Collared Greens, a North Carolina-based men’s apparel company known for its bow ties.
The merger will bring the total membership in the combined association to about 100 businesses.
“Overall we have the same issues and same goals really from a marketing standpoint and just trying to promote our area,” Andrew said. “We compete with Short Pump, Carytown and other shopping districts throughout the area. Working together will really help us.”
This is great to see #RVA – Less competition, more collaboration with associations/organizations that so closely overlap. Down with the silos!
Congrats to both organizations and their leaders for appreciating and embracing the opportunity to work together…so many untapped opportunities in the local nonprofit community for such collaboration. Nonprofit boards should always keep these types of opportunities on their radar screens.
Ironically they were always “together” as they were part of the Town of Westhampton annexed into the City. I would think Westhampton Business District would be a nice name!
They were developed as one “area” in that they were all apart of the Town of Westhampton before annexation in 1943. The groups should try to incorporate the old Town name into their new name.
Congrats on the merger! So glad the two groups can work together for the benefit of all in the area.