Having waited for this since arriving in Richmond in 2009, Flying Squirrels President Lou DiBella and COO Todd “Parney” Parnell said they’re chomping at the bit to get the design process started.
“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.
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.
The proposed Genito/288 Special Focus Area Plan would guide development and county policies for a 659-acre area.
The $50 million, 4,500-seat arena is scheduled to open in about a year and host indoor sports events and concerts.
“The redevelopment of the Diamond District site is intended to be financially self-sustaining, meaning that the new development in the Diamond District will generate enough tax revenue to pay debt service for Community Development Authority bond financing,” new city documents state.
J.T. Spencer is now owned by Imperial and its parent company Paramount Apparel, in a deal that will maintain and expand the beltmaker’s West End operations.
The venture took inspiration from another gym in Austin, Texas, and has professionals working and living in the city as its target audience.
“I said I really would like to start to get some business in the marine, boating and fishing industry, just thinking, ‘OK, I love to do those things; how awesome would it be to work in the industry as well?’” Commonwealth PR’s Brian Chandler said.
Developer Brett Burkhart called the board’s vote a “major milestone” and said it was the final piece needed to get the years-in-the-making project moving.
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