Right Around the River Blog
Top 10 Developments at Rocketts Landing in 2013
Post Date: 01-02-2014
My, oh my! What a year we had right around the river at Rocketts Landing. You know, our riverfront life is usually fairly calm, inviting and soothing — with the James River flowing and fantastic skyline backdrop, most days nearly feel like vacation! But our laid-back vibe hasn’t stopped Rocketts Landing from making stellar developments for our community. From new events to new buildings to new businesses, 2013 was a year of action.Our countdown for the Top 10 Developments at Rocketts Landing in 2013 begins now!
#10 – Launched the Boxer Brief Battle’s Successful First Year
This year, we hosted RVA’s first-ever Boxer Brief Battle 5k, organized by local nonprofit Hitting Cancer Below the Belt. Despite rain, over 500 people participated in the event, which saw friends, families and children alike racing their way to the finish line, donning quite a collection of quirky costumes! They also helped raise $40,000 to benefit the American Cancer Research and “Access Now” — at least $10,000 more than their fundraising goal. We’re certain that a new event tradition was made at Rocketts Landing.
#9 – Rocketts Art Studio Opened
One of the newest businesses to join our community was Rocketts Art Studios (RAS). Located at 4401 E. Main Street, near the Rocketts Landing entrance, RAS resides in the building that once housed the headquarters for local barbeque joint Ronnie’s Ribs, as well as Crown Petroleum. Owned and operated by Rocketts Landing resident Tom Yeaman, RAS is a working art studio for abstract artist Diane Clement and textile artist and jeweler Robin Grabinska. RAS also currently features Yeaman’s private collection of art from around the world, such as paintings from Nicaragua. We love having direct access to a cool art space with views of the James River!
#8 – James River Association Moved to Rocketts Landing
(photo credit: JRA)
Another
organization that found their home at Rocketts Landing in 2013 is the James
River Association (JRA). This local nonprofit acts as a guardian for the health
of our beloved river — and JRA chose our community so they could be closer to
the river. They also were able to create the collaborative office space they’ve
been seeking! Serving as a new home for a great organization with an important
cause warms our riverfront hearts.
#7 – Sold Out Penthouses, One Bedrooms and Three-Story Townhomes
This past
year, we welcomed many new Rocketts Landing homeowners. We officially sold out of all our
community’s penthouses and the remainder of one-bedroom homes in our historic
Cedar Works building. We also sold out of the three-story townhomes, as well as
the Soho home, which was our last one in 210 Rock. We’re thrilled for all the
new residents we welcomed and look forward to getting to know them in 2014! And if you're not a resident but are interested in living at Rocketts Landing, we still have a number of condos available. So, be sure to schedule a visit!
#6 – BrownGreer Renovated the Cedar Works Warehouse
(photo credit: Scott Wertz)
In 2013, law firm BrownGreer completed renovations on our community’s historic Cedar Works warehouse and opened for business! Once part of the Richmond Cedar Works Manufacturing Co., this 19th-century, 38,000-square-foot building manufactured ice-cream makers, ice chests and washing machines. Today, it's now home to Rocketts Landing’s first large-scale company — and one of Richmond’s largest law firms. In an impressive, creative overhaul of the building, BrownGreer truly made the space their own and created quite a destination office, featuring exposed beams, brick walls and salvaged wood floors, among many other cool details.
#5 – Over 6,500 People Celebrated Memorial Day at Rocketts Red Glare
RVA’s only Memorial Day celebration with fireworks brought thousands of people down to our riverfront community for one successful celebration! The event was complete with live music (and dancing), local food and beverage vendors, a kiddie-play area and, of course, fireworks over the James River. Sponsored by BrownGreer, the event also successfully raised $6,307 to support Connor’s Heroes, a local nonprofit that provides assistance to children with cancer and their families. We look forward to topping the event in 2014!
#4 – HHHunt Arrived for
New Townhome Construction
We’re preparing to build new townhomes at Rocketts Landing on Main Street. And to make our vision a reality, HHHunt has arrived at Rocketts Landing! HHHunt is known for developing quality homes with skilled craftsmanship across Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina. We’re thrilled to have them as collaborative partners to bring the next level of Rocketts Landing construction to our riverfront community.
#3 – Phase 1 of Sold-Out Riverbank Terraces Construction Almost Finished
That’s right, friends! We’ve almost finished building the first phase of our community’s exclusive riverfront townhomes, which are poised to bring unmatched living to Rocketts Landing. These completely sold-out homes will offer over 4,000-square-feet of indoor living space, two-car garages, up to 1,150-square feet of rooftop deck and porches, and personal elevators, among many other fine details. Homeowners will be also able to access the James River and the Virginia Capital Trail (once complete) directly from their front doors. Once Phase 1 finishes, we’ll be ready to begin Phase 2!
#2 – Launched New Website
In 2013, we launched a new website! And to top it off, we won a Silver Award for “Best Website for a Community” from The Nationals, the NAHB’s National Sales and Marketing Awards. As a Silver Award Winner, not only are we one of the top vote recipients in our category — we’re also a finalist for the council’s highest award. They’re announcing Gold Winners next month at a ceremony in Las Vegas, and we’re all a-flutter with anticipation!
#1 – Old Railroad Tracks Removed to Make Way for the Virginia Capital Trail
Our top development success at Rocketts Landing this year came our way just a couple of weeks ago, and we couldn’t be more excited! After much anticipation, the old train tracks in our community were pulled out in December to make way for completing the Virginia Capital Trail. As a portion of the 55-mile-long pedestrian and cycling trail that will connect Richmond to Jamestown, the Virginia Capital Trail is set to be one of Virginia’s coolest pedestrian-friendly outdoor activities. And we’re thrilled to have a section of the trail running straight through our community along the banks of the James River.
We thoroughly enjoyed a wonderful year here at Rocketts Landing. Thank you to all our residents, businesses, friends, families and more who helped make 2013 one of our best years yet! Happy New Year, and cheers to an exciting 2014 ahead!