River Mill Area Attractions
Shopping malls have been a way of life for many people, but as online shopping increases and people look for specialized shopping and other activities, today’s shopping centers aren’t what they used to be. Those looking at homes in Glen Allen VA, particularly the River Mill community will be happy to know that besides the numerous amenities within the community, the Virginia Center Commons should be taking on new life as an arena-anchored mixed-use development, further adding to the appeal of the area.
River Mill itself is an outstanding community with walking trails, a clubhouse, pool, playground, parks and open space, and preservation of natural areas near the Chickahominy River. Certified as Richmond’s first active community, you’re never short on things to do just steps from your front door. Plus the community is ideally located near I-295 and I-95 in Henrico County.
To further the appeal of Henrico County, city administrators are working with various companies, particularly Richmond-based The Rebkee Co. to transform Virginia Center Commons. The mall and its anchor department stores have seen a drop in business over the past decade with many of the stores now empty. The county has been interested in the development of an arena for the area for some time now as an important addition to the county. Ultimately the shopping mall will be converted into an indoor sports and convocation center, likely with the addition of a hotel, as well as retail and entertainment uses.
Neil Luther, Henrico’s rec and parks director who’s serving as the county’s point person on the project, stated “That’s 70-plus acres right in the middle of an otherwise healthy corridor that has a tremendous upside for future economic growth.” The mall’s location, in a developed area with available infrastructure and easy access to Interstate 295 and I-95, played a huge part in making Rebkee’s proposal so attractive. This is an area ideal for an arena and convocation center accessible to area residents. The roughly 215,000-square-foot arena would accommodate basketball, volleyball and other indoor sports, capitalizing on the county’s steady sports tourism numbers, as well as serving as an ideal location for high school graduations among other events.
The goal is to revitalize the Virginia Commons area once again, adding to the overall strong appeal of the area. With the strength of the River Mill community on its own, as well as the other local parks and attractions, this future addition will only add to the value of the community and the area. Anyone looking at homes in Glen Allen VA and the surrounding area is sure to be thrilled with all that River Mill and the county has to offer.
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