Henrico County is acquiring two vacant properties on Williamsburg Road to position them for redevelopment to create a modern gateway to Richmond International Airport.
This afternoon, officials announced the purchases of the Bowl America and All Days Inn properties as part of an enhanced countywide reinvestment initiative called “Rebuild Henrico.” It’s designed to build on the county’s longstanding reinvestment efforts, which include using bond referendums to renovate or rebuild schools, fire stations and other public facilities as well as supporting private initiatives, such as the redevelopment of the Virginia Center Commons and Regency Square shopping malls.
“These strategically located sites will be cleared and marketed as prime redevelopment opportunities,” Varina District Supervisor Tyrone E. Nelson said outside the Bowl America, which is now surrounded by security fencing. “With this jumpstart, we hope that other property owners and investors will see similar opportunities up and down this corridor.”
Dr. Perry Miller, president and CEO of Richmond International Airport, welcomed the announcement and said he’s worked closely with the county for several years to “create a true sense of place as people enter this community.”
“We are transforming the airport to be a true international airport that is the gateway, not only to this community but also a gateway for the Richmond region, to reach the world,” he said.
The property purchases come as the airport prepares to celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2027 and as construction is about to start a project to convert the facility’s two security screening checkpoints into a consolidated one.
The Henrico Economic Development Authority bought the All Days Inn, at 5500 Williamsburg Road, in May for $3 million. It expects to close on the Bowl America, at 5018 Williamsburg Road, by next week for $2.9 million, according to the agency.
With an eye toward revitalizing the corridor, the Department of Planning held a community design workshop, or charrette, in 2019. The Board of Supervisors has since adopted the recommendations, which are designed to create a vibrant corridor with a mix of hospitality, retail, commercial, residential and other uses.
“By owning five [acres] along this commercial corridor on Williamsburg Road, we are 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 Sydclay Drive or Sanburne Parkway that are living right behind these fallen properties,” said Cari Tretina, executive director of the EDA.
The Bowl America and All Days Inn have been persistent challenges for county code inspectors and police for years. At Bowl America, issues have included reports of unhoused individuals living on the property as well as graffiti, illegal dumping and inoperable vehicles. At the hotel, the concerns have included broken windows, bedbugs, leaks, inoperable water heaters and dangerous stairs.
Calling the buildings “infamous” to Sandston’s residents and business owners, Nelson thanked his colleagues on the Board of Supervisors and other officials for “recognizing the needs of this community and for taking action to address them.”
