'Rebuild Henrico' seeks to enhance Williamsburg Road corridor, airport’s role as ‘gateway to the region’

Under a tent to shield a crowd from rain, outside the vacant Bowl America building at 5018 Williamsburg Road, Henrico County leaders announced Sept. 22 the county had acquired that property and the All Day Inn a few blocks down the street at 5500 Williamsburg Road.

County leaders say that through public private partnerships, the sites will have new uses, elevate the area and better connect to Richmond International Airport just down the street.

“You'll start to see demolition activities in the coming months. We're being pretty aggressive with that timeframe, to take on these vacant, blighted structures. I think razing the sites are going to add a lot of value, not only to the residents,” said Cari M. Tretina, Henrico Economic Development Authority's executive director.

“Hopefully, once those demolition activities occur, we're going to have more of an organic development process than we have with some of the other properties. We want to take our time to make sure that we can evaluate all the right uses that complement what works with what our airport's doing.”

The Henrico EDA paid $2.95 million for 5018 Williamsburg Road and $3 million for 5500 Williamsburg Road. The two properties total less than five acres, which is smaller than the other private public partnerships that Henrico County has initiated over the years – namely Virginia Center Commons, Regency and Glenwood Farms.

“We've helped two dying malls get infused with new investments to turn into thriving communities, with sports facilities, retail, dining, and lodging, aiding tourism, where spending eclipsing $2 billion in Henrico County just last year,” Tretina said.

“The EDA's facilitating the revival of a vacant corporate headquarters campus called Midtown 64, which we were given and [will] become a mixed use economic center that's going to house the county's newest trophy office building, ready to have 800 new employees. Even more consequential, though, we provided the tools to uplift the residents of Glenwood Farms from inhumane living conditions to a beautiful neighborhood full of opportunities for economic mobility.”

Tretina said that by owning properties along the commercial corridor on Williamsburg Road, Henrico County is taking control of what's driving the investment, adding jobs, increasing the tax base, and more importantly, improving the quality of life for the neighbors on Sidclay Drive, or Sanbern Parkway, who are living right behind these fallen properties.

“But acquiring these two parcels is just the beginning. We plan to clear the sites and then position them for premium, redevelopment opportunities that align both with our economic goals and the needs of the community,” Tretina said.

Henrico County officials were joined with Richmond International Airport officials to kick off what they are calling “Rebuild Henrico” efforts to support its vision for a revitalized gateway around the airport.

“For the residents and businesses of Sandston, these buildings have become infamous,” said Henrico County Supervisor Tyrone Nelson, who represents the Varina District.

This summer, county officials helped squatters in the former bowling alley and connect with emergency housing resources through partners at the Daily Planet.

Henrico police have logged more than 700 calls for services at the two addresses, most of them for a suspicious activity, disorderly conduct or trespassing.

“As a member of the board of supervisors of the Capitol Region Airport Commission, I can see the potential. And I believe that by acquiring these properties at the airport's front door, we are taking an important first step to bring this conversation to and with residents and business owners as we begin to map out next steps for these sites,” Nelson said.

Nelson acknowledged that other property owners have been unwilling, or at least reluctant, to sell. Another challenge for Henrico County’s vision for transformation of Williamsburg Road is that it is owned and maintained by the Virginia Department of Transportation, not by Henrico County, which means VDOT is responsible for maintaining the road and deciding what, if any improvements were to be made.

“But rest assured, Henrico will be doing whatever he can to help improve sidewalks and crosswalks, and to enhance the street lighting. If we get the opportunity, we will advocate for making Williamsburg Road safer for motorists, and for pedestrians. Despite all these challenges, we're here today,” Nelson said. “We have two properties that we are almost closed on, and we are ready to move.”

In 2019, Henrico Department of Planning led a community workshop, or charrette, as part of a study to guide the future of the Williamsburg Road area. The recommendations have since been adopted as part of the county’s zoning ordinance.

RIC Executive Director Perry Miller said the county’s efforts are aligned with continued investments in and around RIC.

Tretina said reinvesting into the two properties does more than just spruce up Williamsburg Road – it directly connects this commercial corridor to the economic engine of Richmond International Airport, which accounts for $3 billion in economic impact with 150 flights daily, generating 13,500 jobs. In fiscal year 2025-26, RIC recorded nearly 5 million passengers and 235.5 million pounds of cargo – both all-time highs for the airport. 

“Just minutes from where we're standing are two important sites, one along Beulah Road, and one on East Side Lane. We are partnering with Dr. Miller and his team to cultivate high growth opportunities in advance manufacturing or research and development for aviation, aerospace, and defense operations. Earlier this month, we saw a powerful glimpse of what this area's potential is at the former Richmond Dragway, with a demonstration of Electra's ultra short, hybrid aircraft, a prime example of next generation, aerospace technology that can be designed, built, manufactured, and fly, right from Henrico County.”

Tretina said the sites could also potentially host modern business centers, like co-working spaces, specialized tech spaces, workforce development, and programming opportunities with partners at Reynolds Community College or medical office buildings that can provide primary care.

“Anything is possible. Real economic development unlocks extraordinary potential for the people within a community. And this effort is a defining moment for Henrico. With these investments 'Rebuild Henrico” could transform this area into an integrated economic powerhouse,” Tretina said.

Dina Weinstein is the Citizen’s community vitality reporter and a Report for America corps member, covering housing, health and transportation. Support her work and articles like this one by making a contribution to the Citizen.