Both undertakings involve a bit of mystery: The retail site’s grocery anchor is being kept secret for now, while the county has previously been in talks with an unidentified developer for land near the Sportsplex that includes the former Southside Speedway.
“The acquisition of the property was opportunistic and not the product of a strategy of the club to acquire property near the club,” it said in a recent letter to members.
After recruiting a local market head in June, Dwell Design Studio has already grown its Richmond headcount to 10 and become the anchor tenant in a building in Scott’s Addition.
Two other new tenants are lined up for the Publix-anchored project: Starbucks and restaurant chain Burtons Grill & Bar.
The firm already is planning an 8-story apartment building at 219 W. Broad St. and just bought the former Richmond Camera building a few doors down and another a block over on Grace Street.
While a needed seven-vote majority seemed to be secured going into Monday’s meeting, the vote was uncertain and displayed a coming together among councilmembers who have been divided on past proposals.
An unidentified grocery store has signed on at the shopping center just west of Willow Lawn and it’s set to occupy 43,000 square feet, the same size as another unnamed grocery anchor that’s planned in Midlothian.
“We’re giving them back some luster,” Frank Cava said of the commercial buildings. “Some folks had brought up the idea to us to change the names of them, but these are historic buildings. It’s time to bring them back to life.”
Highwoods Properties sold the bulk of the 34-acre assemblage to developer Northland, which envisions apartments, condos, retail space and a hotel. Highwoods is still planning office space for its remaining portion of the site.
The 17-story, 1960s-era building is now eligible for historic tax credits, giving owner The Vakos Cos. an opening turn it into 300 apartments.
Update your browser to view this website correctly. Update my browser now