Gateway Reporter

Chesterfield County Chamber of Commerce issued the following announcement on Aug. 28

 Building on the success of the adjacent Stonebridge project which was re-developed from the former Cloverleaf Mall, the Chesterfield County Economic Development Authority (EDA) is working with the Board of Supervisors to purchase a property on the northwest corner of Midlothian Turnpike near Chippenham Parkway for a vibrant, new mixed-use development featuring high-quality residential, office, commercial and entertainment venues.

The project will revitalize the area between Stonebridge and the Boulders office park and residential complexes to the west. At the center of the development will be an open, green plaza/gathering space that will be an ideal location for concerts, farmers’ market, festivals and public events. The 42-acre site will include abundant green space, walkability and connectivity.

“Chesterfield residents are seeking new options to live, work, shop and play in a central location. This proposal gives the county another quality mixed-use development at the eastern gateway to the county, that will serve as a destination for residents and visitors,” said Board of Supervisors Representative Leslie Haley. “The project will create a strong sense of community, integrate attractive greenspaces, and celebrate the area’s unique history, while creating jobs and generating significant tax revenue for the county. The project will also add connectivity to the Boulders,” Haley said.

It’s anticipated that the Board of Supervisors will approve a request to schedule a public hearing August 25th at their regularly scheduled board meeting today to consider funding the $16 million purchase. In addition to the public hearing, there will be other opportunities for public comment as the property goes through the zoning process in the coming months.

The EDA has hired the internationally recognized Cooper Carry architectural firm to assist with design of the site. Cooper Carry has extensive expertise working on projects of this type, and will incorporate best practices from other highly successful projects in their plans.

“Cooper Carry has worked on projects around the world and we immediately recognized the potential for this site,” said Cooper Carry representative Abbey Oklak. “People want fun, activity oriented destinations, and this has the potential to be a central gathering place for the county.”

The project, which is consistent with the County’s Comprehensive Plan, will be constructed in multiple phases. The first phase will include residential apartments, commercial space, restaurants, an office building, a festival-like common area and a large sports tournament and entertainment venue. The second phase will add townhouses, more commercial space, another office building, entertainment venues, and an expanded central festival square. The EDA is currently working with top level private developers on specific parts of the project and more detailed information will be available prior to the August board meeting.

“As the private development interests in this property are zoned and sold by the EDA, the remaining county investment is for the relocation of a nearby police precinct to a much more visible and accessible location and consolidation of a new school board office to best maximize student space and programs at the Chesterfield Career and Technical Center,” said County Administrator Joe Casey. The site has excellent transportation access, with close proximity to the Chippenham Parkway.

The site is also on the GRTC public transportation route. Plans include constructing a new road access into the Boulders office park, thereby creating a direct connection between these important developments.

The project will include walking and biking trails, abundant greenspace, wide streetscapes and the county’s first structured parking to promote walkability, safety and convenience.

The area near the project offers a rich history, including the Beaufont Spring House, built in 1896, which launched a series of spring water companies and later manufactured carbonated soft drinks, beer and ice throughout the early 1900’s. The area was reimagined again in the 1950’s, when it was transformed into a thriving entertainment, event and recreational space featuring volleyball, basketball, horseshoes, and a dance pavilion. The project will honor this unique history, with easy access to the historic springhouse and revival of the area as a community gathering space.

The current site is home to several commercial entities. The businesses in the outparcels directly along Midlothian Turnpike will not be impacted. For those occupying parts of the project site, there will be a transition period for purposes of relocating the businesses to other locations or potentially in the new development. The Chesterfield Economic Development Department will work with the existing tenants to discuss relocation options.

Original source can be found here.