Richmond's Suburban Developments

[calwinston]

The planned 3,500-home development (over a period of 20 years) known as Magnolia Green faltered, but is now back on track.

Home sales have begun at the Western Chesterfield site and a 9-hole golf course will open in June.

I'm not sure of its exact location but believe it is near the suburban Richmond Zoo a few miles west of Rt. 288 off of Hull Street Road (US360.)

From today's RTD:

http://www2.timesdis...-213002/335481/

It is just off of US 360 (behind the Brandermill/Woodlake master planned communities) at 6801 Woolridge Road, Moseley, Virginia 23120.

Here is their website for more information

http://www.magnolia-green.com/home.html

[calwinston]

The medical group Bon Secours Chief Executive Peter Bernard plans to have a urban enviroment landscape around St. Francis Medical Center in northwestern Chesterfield County. This is a must read! Some of the things said about the Richmond Regions lack of planning and suburban sprawl, I couldnt agree more about. Hopefully this will be incorporated into the other Bon Secour hospitals in the area.

http://www.styleweek...566425E856C8C66

“Everything has been designed to uphold our mission of healing, spirituality and nature. Additionally, the plan encompasses five important principles of good neighborhood design: creating a center and an edge; locating key services and buildings within a quarter-mile radius and a five-minute walk; providing a mix of uses, from hospital and medical services to residences and retail conveniences; a street network for pedestrian comfort; and focal civic places, including churches and schools."

"As a movement, new urbanism is intended as an antidote for suburban sprawl, a planning panacea for the social isolation, economic segregation and negative health effects that many people attribute to the single-use zoning codes and arterial highways that typify most suburbs across the United States. By creating tightly knit, self-sustaining, walkable communities — places where residents can work, live and shop within short distances — new urbanism aims to eliminate, or drastically reduce, the country’s dependence on cars."

"The St. Francis plan is also, perhaps, a clarion call for a region that’s long struggled with poorly planned residential subdivisions and unwieldy regional development. Many urban planners and community observers laud the ideals of new urbanism and its policy-based twin, the smart-growth movement. But challenges exist. The whims of the market can dilute well-meaning principles such as mixed-income housing and the physical hurdles of the region’s hierarchical roads and sprawling suburbs, where development is still dictated by road design."

"In other words, it’s still a vision. But it’s getting attention, and under Bernard’s helm, spans the hospitals of Bon Secours. A November meeting discussed a new urbanist vision for St. Mary’s, the Bon Secours hospital that straddles the city and Henrico County, and another concerning Richmond Community Hospital in the urban East End is planned for June. As for St. Francis, Bernard says, “We are now massaging the product that we received from [Duany Plater-Zyberk] and we’re prioritizing.”"

http://www.styleweekly.com/ME2/Audiences/dirmod.asp?sid=&nm=&type=Publishing&mod=Publications%3A%3AArticle&mid=8F3A7027421841978F18BE895F87F791&tier=4&id=A8105400B1B64B0688BC2C9E3F2D4D77&AudID=AE6FBAD9A9574D429566425E856C8C66

Edited April 9, 2010 by calwinston

[wrldcoupe4]

Comparing the previous three posts ... it's amazing the differences between Magnolia Green and the vision near St. Francis. Bernard's vision is commendable.

[Brent]

Now if only they would get on board with birth control.

I’m sorry but it is a bit disingenuous , after having closed hospitals in the city and having selected a remote location for it’s St Francis campus, to say that Bon Secures has any integrity with regards to urban development. New Urbanism, BTW, it the bane of my existence. Its just another way of describing automobile centric (come drive to our “city“ and park in one of our parking decks then pretend to be in small town America while surrounded by your favorite lifestyle brands) , cookie-cuter extension of white flight garbage. That rendering shows another isolated, suburban development. All of the streets lead into the development and aren’t in anyway significantly connected to the surroundings.

If Bon Secours has so much money that it wants to go into the real-estate development business, I suggest that they lower the cost of care at their facilities. That would be the best thing that they could do for the community.

[Shakman]

Now if only they would get on board with birth control.

I’m sorry but it is a bit disingenuous , after having closed hospitals in the city and having selected a remote location for it’s St Francis campus, to say that Bon Secures has any integrity with regards to urban development. New Urbanism, BTW, it the bane of my existence. Its just another way of describing automobile centric (come drive to our “city“ and park in one of our parking decks then pretend to be in small town America while surrounded by your favorite lifestyle brands) , cookie-cuter extension of white flight garbage. That rendering shows another isolated, suburban development. All of the streets lead into the development and aren’t in anyway significantly connected to the surroundings.

If Bon Secours has so much money that it wants to go into the real-estate development business, I suggest that they lower the cost of care at their facilities. That would be the best thing that they could do for the community.

There is more to it than just lowering cost for the general public. I wish it were that easy. Insurance companies have to be fed as well.

Very good news for the area - both projects.

Edited April 12, 2010 by Shakman

[Brent]

True , but if after everyone (including the insurance company and shareholders, a word that should never be used in a conversation about medical care) gets paid a hospital still has enough money to build a village, then something is wrong.

I'm just particularly annoyed by this seeing as how they closed down Stuart Circle Hospital in the real city, moved 15 miles outside of town and now say that they are going to pioneer new urbanism is Richmond. St Mary’s is already in an urban setting (housing all around it, a school almost backs up to it, there is a church across the street with shopping and restaurants and a post office within walking distance). I see a "new urbanism" village at that location to be in direct competition with a real urban experience, i.e way more destructive than constructive and just downright greedy). Same goes for the hospital in the Eastend.

[Brent]

These trendy developments of today will be viewed as the next decade's sprawl.

Edited April 13, 2010 by Brent

[Shakman]

True , but if after everyone (including the insurance company and shareholders, a word that should never be used in a conversation about medical care) gets paid a hospital still has enough money to build a village, then something is wrong.

I'm just particularly annoyed by this seeing as how they closed down Stuart Circle Hospital in the real city, moved 15 miles outside of town and now say that they are going to pioneer new urbanism is Richmond. St Mary’s is already in an urban setting (housing all around it, a school almost backs up to it, there is a church across the street with shopping and restaurants and a post office within walking distance). I see a "new urbanism" village at that location to be in direct competition with a real urban experience, i.e way more destructive than constructive and just downright greedy). Same goes for the hospital in the Eastend.

Don't forget Retreat Hospital is walking distance from the former Stuart Circle. Around the same time Kensington Court use to be a hospital. I agree with you to some extent. It is something to think about and wonder how so. However do understand that Bon Secure will most likely seek financing for the development around St. Francis, even if they hire a developer. It is much easier to get finance for real estate as compared to "I want finance to lower medical bills". Realistically (yet painfully to some), investors will would rather finance the development. Perhaps this development will bring economic dollars to a point where medical bills could be lower in the future?

Also there is a reason why St. Francis Hospital is there. If you look around the hospital, you can see suburban sprawl at its worst. From my understanding of this development, it will hopefully introduce a more urban environment than what already exist.

Edited April 13, 2010 by Shakman

[calwinston]

The redvelopment of Cloverleaf Mall will probably commence later this year(tentative). The developer Crosland is the same developer that is sitting on 'Manchester on the James'. Well we have seen how that development has gone in the past 3 years. Honestly the redevelopment of 'Cloverleaf Mall' was a opportunity for the county to have a Town Center like approach. Instead of just surface parking everywhere they could have included an approach with office space, a hotel, sidewalks for the people living in the townhomes to the shopping center. Really this is just another example of suburban sprawl without taking more land. To allow this project to go on the way it is a travesty. This site will probably be abandoned again in 20 years because we still have not learned from the past. This region needs to wake up and look at the future of see what we could become, instead of looking at now. If we continue on the path we are now, this region will be built out in 20 years with the current zoning laws.

http://www.chesterfi...rleaf_Mall.html

Edited April 29, 2010 by calwinston

[burt]

The Stonebridge rendering pictured above, looks pretty crumby, IMO. Not much of an improvement over Cloverleaf Mall.

[wrldcoupe4]

Absolute garbage. Chesterfield has no concept of proper development.

[calwinston]

Why did Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors wait so long to change the zoning law? In a 2 month time span developers submitted 26 subdivision applications for the area that opened up.

The board closed the door last night, re-establishing the 5-acre minimum, but not before agricultural property owners submitted 26 subdivision applications.

If those applications were developed, it would mean 2,514 new homes on 5,656 acres in a county that's trying to slow residential growth.

Based on the county's $25,511 estimated impact of each new home on public infrastructure, that could cost the county more than $64 million because cash proffers -- fees paid per home by developers -- are only paid through the rezoning process.

If these homes are built more schools will have to be built, roads, libraries, etc. In a area that was intended by the County to stay rural ends up costing the taxpayers of this county more money. Board of Supervisors get off your butt. When a problem arises take care of it immediately. If you dont next time you may cost the county more than $64 million.

[wrldcoupe4]

Maybe changing trends in lifestyle preferences mean these developments won't happen at all?

[calwinston]

Hanover County Supervisors just approved the 'East Ashland' development along Route 54 and I-95.

http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/article/HANOGAT28_20100428-223802/340884/

http://www.town.ashland.va.us/vertical/Sites/%7B7CD2B061-2700-4C92-86AD-6137417373F1%7D/uploads/%7B428954C3-2C76-4B91-BFA4-D0049E274E85%7D.PDF

[Cadeho]

The redvelopment of Cloverleaf Mall will probably commence later this year(tentative). The developer Crosland is the same developer that is sitting on 'Manchester on the James'. Well we have seen how that development has gone in the past 3 years. Honestly the redevelopment of 'Cloverleaf Mall' was a opportunity for the county to have a Town Center like approach. Instead of just surface parking everywhere they could have included an approach with office space, a hotel, sidewalks for the people living in the townhomes to the shopping center. Really this is just another example of suburban sprawl without taking more land. To allow this project to go on the way it is a travesty. This site will probably be abandoned again in 20 years because we still have not learned from the past. This region needs to wake up and look at the future of see what we could become, instead of looking at now. If we continue on the path we are now, this region will be built out in 20 years with the current zoning laws.

http://www.chesterfi...rleaf_Mall.html

I hope they have a marker or keep a section of the old Chesterfield Railroad bed that will be a part of the development. Right now, it's in the woods.

[calwinston]

Innsbrook becoming a urban mixed use development.

http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/article/INNS03_20100502-215004/341740/

[Shakman]

Innsbrook becoming a urban mixed use development.

http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/article/INNS03_20100502-215004/341740/

Do you need a pillow and a blankie?

The Cloverleaf Mall development is another proof of how to waste valuable land. I had no idea the development had changed that much.

Edited May 3, 2010 by Shakman

[calwinston]

Hanover County Supervisors just approved the 'East Ashland' development along Route 54 and I-95.

http://www2.timesdis...-223802/340884/

http://www.town.ashl...9E274E85%7D.PDF

The development is called "Providence Creek"

Here is the website and rendering of what is going there.

http://www.feltsandk...com/Development

http://www2.timesdis...-222214/213938/

Rendering of Providence Creek

Rendering of Woodside Estates which is behind the development

Edited May 6, 2010 by calwinston

[burt]

If census estimates are realized, suburban Chesterfield County will have gained 54,000 new residents since 2000.

At 316,000, it will become the fourth largest municipality in Virginia and require additional seats to the 5 member Board of Supervisors.

From today's RTD:

http://www2.timesdis...-220204/343191/

Edited May 9, 2010 by burt

[burt]

Town Center West is the lead story in today's column by Lou Llovio on the business page of the RTD.

The Virginia Beach developer of the site, which is adjacent to Short Pump Town Center, has plans for expansion that will rival West Broad Village and other near-by shopping destinations.

Already, The Hilton Hotel and Spa is in full operation and includes a full-scale SHULA's STEAK HOUSE. Two new moderately sized buildings are planned, one of which facing West Broad Street, will house Blue Ridge Mountain Sports Store and Plaza Azteca restaurant.

http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/metrobusiness/article/BUZZ17_20100516-173204/344895/

Edited May 17, 2010 by burt

[calwinston]

Since this was never posted! I know it is a little late but I had to do it. Kings Dominoins new roller coaster the Imtimidator 305 (opened April 2010)! The tallest and fastest coaster on the east coast! This will bring many roller coaster enthusiasts to the Richmond Area this summer!

http://www.intimidator305.com/

Biggest, Baddest and Meanest.

Intimidator 305, only the second Giga-coaster ever built in North America, will be the tallest and fastest roller coaster of its type on the East Coast. The lift hill will stand a towering 305 feet at its highest peak; descend 300 feet at an 85 degree-angle and thunder along the track at speeds in excess of 90 miles per hour during its three minute race to the finish.

Scheduled Debut:

Date:April 2010

Physical Dimensions:

Track Length:5,100 feetMaximum Height:305 feetLift Hill Angle:45 degreesLength of First Drop:300 feetAngle of First Drop:85 degreesLength of Other Drops:150 feetAirtime Humps:6 including S-curve transitionsHigh Speed Turns:3 at ground level

Time, Speed, Capacity:

Fastest Speed:Excess of 90 MPHRide Time:3 minutesHourly Capacity::1,350 ridersNumber of Trains:TwoVehicles:Four passenger open design trains with overhead lap bar with shoulder straps

Structure & Design:

Lift Hill Structure:400 tonsTrack:1,000 tonsSupports:1,000 tonsFoundations:7,750 cu. yds concrete and 450 tons of reinforcing steelBraking System:Fail-Safe Eddy Current Braking System Acres Covered:5 acresDesign and Construction:Design by Intamin of Switzerland

Foundations by Whiting and Turner Contracting Company

Erection by Adena Corporation

Station Construction by Whiting and Turner Contracting Company

MEP Engineering and Electrical Construction by ITAC Engineers & Constructors

Investment:

Investment:$25 million

http://www.intimidator305.com/

[burt]

Thanks for the shots of the roller coaster at Kings Dominion, cal. They and the info are great.

It's difficult to find subjects on the forum, but we did discuss Intimidator 305 on page 133 in the Richmond Developments thread on April 1st

I think even at my old age I'd ride it.

Edited May 21, 2010 by burt

[burt]

This is a story in today's RTD about The Markel Company buying into West Broad Village.

http://www2.timesdis...-222003/347378/

And here is my fumbling attempt to quote an interesting segment of that newspaper account which describes leasing at West Broad Village:

Manoogian said that since the investment, his firm has leased or has letters of intent for an additional 80,000 square feet of space, and has rented an additional 126 apartments, meaning that nearly 80 percent of the development's apartments are now occupied. He said the company sold another 62 town house lots and that all the existing homes have now been sold.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

One of these days I'll learn how to move and highlight only sections of stories rather than bring them over in their entirety.

Edited May 28, 2010 by burt

[calwinston]

Here is the website for Innsbrook changing from a office park to a mixed use development. IMO Innsbrook is a little late to the game. I guess it took Circuit City and Land America (Fortune 500 companies) going bankrupt and being liquidated to change the culture. The only thing I have a problem with is Short Pump being so close with a plethora of retail establishments and office space at West Broad Village plus more being added! How can Innsbrook pull more people and businesses back east?!

http://www.innsbrook.com/next.html

http://www.innsbrook.com/next.html

Renderings

http://www.innsbrook.com/files/next/next_renderings.pdf

Study Area

http://www.innsbrook.com/files/next/next_study_area.pdf

[calwinston]

The Caroline County Board of Supervisors approved 4-1 Carmel Church Station to move forward! The development 25 miles north of Richmond will cover 1,059 acres of land with 3.16 million sq ft of retail and commercial space, 8,659 residential units, and a 120 acre regional park!

Also in the same area the Caroline County Board of Supervisors learned that pharmaceutical company McKesson Corp plans to build a 340,000 sq ft distribution center. This will create 150 to 190 jobs in the area over 3 years.

http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/CARO09_20100608-221806/349906/