The public library is back en vogue. Circulation of books and DVDs at Richmond Public Library are up 11 percent month to month over last year, according to Harriet Coalter, the city’s library director. The number of people using library computers is also up 11 percent. Coalter said the poor economy is behind the up tick… Read more »
Al Harris
Polluted Henrico parcel gets makeover
A site in Henrico County is slated for commercial development almost 30 years after being identified by the Environmental Protection Agency as a threat to public health. Virginia Beach-based Empire Development purchased 3.85 acres of the Rentokil Superfund site near the intersection of Parham Road and Ackley Avenue for about $400,000 last year from Virginia… Read more »
New life for Broad Street sports bar
Out of Bounds Restaurant and Sports Bar has sat lifeless on Broad Street for just about a year, but a new restaurant is in the works for the property. Interior renovations have been underway for the past few months, and manager Rafid Stanley said they are hoping to open in March as Gus’s Bar &… Read more »
Former Martin Branding partner launches own firm
Local marketing consultant Jake Crocker has left Martin Branding Worldwide to start his own firm, Crocker Strategic Marketing. Crocker was a partner and director of brand marketing at Martin Branding. He left in December and decided to go into the new year with a new beginning as his own boss.
Q&A: Who would start a bank in this economy?
There’s a new kid on the banking block. Xenith Bank, currently in organization, recently moved into their new office headquarters downtown. The bank will focus on small- and medium-size business. BizSense sat down with Chief Executive and President T. Gaylon Layfield to talk about the plans for the bank and the issues facing the banking… Read more »
Free beer and other stimulus spending ideas
The Commonwealth of Virginia has launched a new website to solicit proposals from the public as to how the state should spend federal stimulus dollars. Virginia is expected to receive close to $3 billion of the estimated $800 billion stimulus package going through Congress. Anyone can go to the site and submit their email address… Read more »
Is Richmond the worst residential rental market in the country?
The U.S. Census Bureau says the Richmond metro area has the highest residential rental vacancy in the country, but local rental agents aren’t buying it.
Sneak Preview: Movieland
Movieland by Bow-Tie Cinemas, Richmond City’s first movie theater in 35 years, opened its doors to the press to showcase the 17-screen multiplex in advance of its opening Feb. 27.
First Market Bank gets $34 million in bailout money
Richmond-based First Market Bank might be in the mood for granting more loans after receiving a $34 million loan from the federal government. On Tuesday, the U.S. Treasury announced it provided 28 banks with $238.6 million as part of the Capital Purchase Program, which is intended to increase lending among healthy banks. First Market Bank,… Read more »
2008’s top commercial projects
The Greater Richmond Association for Commercial Real Estate has announced the finalists for their Eighth Annual Real Estate Star Awards. The awards honor the top real estate projects in the Richmond region in eight different categories. A ninth award will be given for best overall project. Last year’s overall winner was awarded to the State… Read more »