Developers propose $450M mixed-use development near Henrico-Richmond line

The Henrico Planning Commission Nov. 9 endorsed plans for a massive $450-million redevelopment project near the Henrico-Richmond line that eventually could include as many as 700 apartments and/or condos, a hotel, 30,000 square feet of retail space, and almost 140,000 square feet of offices.

The proposal, from Kinsale Capital Group and Marchetti Development, involves about 29 acres of land at the intersection of West Broad Street and Staples Mill Road, which most recently housed the Anthem, Inc. headquarters.

Development is proposed in phases, with the hotel and a mixed-use building on the southwest portion of the site planned first, followed by a residential building on the northeast corner where Maywill and Thalbro streets intersect. The third phase would include more offices along Thalbro Street to its intersection with Staples Mill Road, followed by a fourth phase that would include another office building at the intersection of Staples Mill and West Broad and another mixed-use building facing Staples Mill.

As these phases were implemented, the existing parking lots would be developed into other uses and parking garages would be included as part of construction. Each phase would require a more detailed plan of development to be approved by the Henrico director of planning.

The site is surrounded largely by commercial buildings, including a Holiday Inn across Staples Mill, offices, and Tapestry West Apartments. However, planning staff members noted that Family Holdings, the owner of the property across Maywill Street to the east that currently contains the Richmond Kickers soccer club, recently has obtained approval of a provisional use permit allowing a similar mixed-use development.

Approval of the proposal would be subject to some conditions:
• all buildings must be 200 feet tall or less;
• only 5% of the apartments/condos can have more than two bedrooms;
• the amount of provided parking cannot fall below what is currently proposed;
• sidewalks must be provided along all public streets and internal roads;
• a security survey of the property must be completed with the Henrico Division of Police;
• recycling must be provided for the residential developments.

The conditions cover some concerns raised by local residents during discussion of the recent Willow Lawn redevelopment plan. Staff members told the commission that one person came to an Oct. 24 community meeting, voicing support for the proposal.

A traffic analysis is still underway but planning staff members indicated that the existing sewer is at capacity and will need expanding. They also reviewed the impact to local schools and concluded it would be manageable, since these types of urban mixed-use buildings typically bring fewer students than other apartments. However, Tucker High is expected to exceed its capacity in the next five years, requiring either expansion or redistricting.

The proposal now will advance to the Henrico Board of Supervisors for final consideration, likely at its Dec. 12 meeting.