Skip to content
Sign In Donate
GreenCity — Best Products Building — Northern Henrico — Government — Henrico government — Virginia Government — Virginia Economic Development Partnership

Henrico receives $120,000 in state funding for asbestos remediation efforts at former Best Products building

,   and  Citizen Staff Reports
1 min read
The crescent-shaped former Best Products building (imagined in renovated form above, from renderings that were part of the failed GreenCity proposal) will be demolished by Henrico County. (Courtesy Henrico County)

Henrico County has received $120,000 in state funding to be used for the abatement of asbestos-containing material at the former Best Products Headquarters building on Parham Road adjacent to I-95.

Henrico was one of eight Virginia localities to earn a share of $1.59 million in Site Remediation Grants from the Virginia Brownfields Restoration and Economic Redevelopment Assistance Fund.

The Best Products building was part of the larger GreenCity mixed-use and entertainment development plan announced in late 2020, but that project collapsed before it could begin. Henrico officials now are weighing proposals from new developers who want to build some or all components of a mixed-use development that the county envisions there, anchored by a large arena.

The state funding will allow the county to remediate asbestos in the building (by containing, removing or sealing it) prior to its demolition, as a way to reduce risk for the developer, according to Virginia Economic Development Partnership spokesperson Pryor Green.

Although the building was scheduled to be renovated and made a centerpiece of the GreenCity project, it will not be part of whatever project ultimately takes shape there now; Henrico officials filed plans last year to demolish it.

VBAF awards allow local governments to restore and redevelop brownfield sites — properties with the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant. The grants awarded this week will cover rehabilitation of contaminated properties to remove hazardous substances and waste, demolition and removal of existing structures, and other site work that will help bring new economic development to the state.

“When the state assists Virginia’s localities in restoring existing properties, we can help attract new business, create more housing, and power regional economic development,” said Gov. Abigail Spanberger. “Investing in the redevelopment of Virginia’s brownfield sites is paramount to building stronger communities that can attract top talent and significant economic investment. I look forward to seeing these projects come to life.” 

Comments

Related