Henrico Sports & Event Center and surrounding area. (Photo: Henrico County Facebook)
HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — Henrico County officials announced progress on a number of mixed-use developments planned for the Virginia Center Commons area in support. Henrico Sports and Event Center.
On Thursday, April 25, Henrico County and other officials, including the Henrico Economic Development Authority and the Henrico Sports and Entertainment Authority, shared an update on redevelopment at the Virginia Center Commons mall site.
Fairfield District Supervisor Roscoe Cooper said the county plans to add two hotels and two restaurants to the Virginia Center Commons area to complement the Henrico Sports and Event Center. opened a few months ago.
“This entire area is being transformed with homes, businesses, services and amenities, including access to the Fall Line Trail,” Cooper said.
Anthony Romanello, Executive Director of the Henrico Economic Development Authority. 93 acres rezoned last year The mixed-use development, which includes research and development offices and housing, was created by the Sauer Properties Board of Supervisors.
“You'll see housing units and construction will start there later this year,” Romanello said.
Romanello also said a rental community of 36 townhomes and 274 apartments will be built on the site of the former Knights Inn on Brook Road. Just across the street, Stanley Martin Homes plans to build more than 600 homes for sale at the entrance to Virginia Center Commons.
green city projectRomanello said this is another mixed-use development slated for north of East Perham Road between Interstates 95 and 295, with construction expected to begin early next year.
“Tourism is what allows Henrico to grow beyond other cities,” Romanero said. “We love tourism. We love sports tourism. People come here, stay in our hotels, eat in our restaurants, and we educate their children. No need to.”
Visitor spending last year totaled $1.7 billion, the highest in the region and fifth in Virginia, Romanello said. He said approximately 6% of all visitor spending in Virginia occurs in Henrico County, generating $75 million in local revenue, which the Board of Supervisors can allocate to community priorities. He said that it supported the employment of 10,000 people.
Romanello said outdoor sports tourism has brought in $65 million to the community.
“And with this wonderful facility, [the Henrico Sports and Events Center] I can’t wait to see the impact of indoor sports here in Henrico,” Romanello said. “If you add all of that up, the economy here in Henrico is a whopping $32 billion, and it's growing.”
Neal Amin, CEO of Shamin Hotels, said the hotels will be the 21st and 22nd hotels in Henrico County.
“We are excited to offer two first-class hotels and two restaurants. [the Henrico Sports and Events Center]” said Amin.
