Gumenick Unveils Name for West End Project: Libbie Mill

By Adrian Maties, Associate Editor

Construction of Gumenick Properties’ 80-acre development in Richmond’s West End is still months away from the starting line, but the developer has unveiled a new name for its mixed-used project. Previously known by the working name Staples Mill Road, the 80-acre project will be called Libbie Mill.

Picking a permanent brand name for the property, located between Libbie Ave. and Staples Mill Road, gained new urgency from Southern Season’s recent commitment to build a gourmet food store on the site and Henrico County’s plans to open a new library. “Gumenick Properties chose Libbie Mill because we believe it best reflects the spirit and aspirations of this new community,” said Wayne A. Chasen, president of Gumenick Properties, in a statement.

“The ‘Libbie Mill’ name draws on local history and symbolically unites Libbie Avenue and Staples Mill Road, which will be tied together by this neighborhood. This title also expresses our desire to create a place that links old and new, combining modern convenience with the warmth and grace traditionally associated with Richmond living,” Chasen added.

At full buildout, which is expected to take at least 10 years, Libbie Mill will deliver 994 for-sale homes and 1,096 apartments. It also calls for almost 150,000 square feet of retail space and about 50,000 square feet of office space. Planning is under way for the first phase, which will include retail, office space, luxury apartments and the library.

Barry Hofheimer and Robby Brownfield of CBRE Group Inc.’s Richmond office will lead the retail leasing for the project and Scott Durham and Malcolm Randolph will handle leasing for the office component. Southern Season, Libbie Mill’s first commercial tenant, plans a fall construction start for a 53,000-square foot gourmet food store, full-service restaurant and cooking school. A mid-2014 opening is planned. Henrico County’s new library is scheduled to open in 2016 near a two-acre lake on land donated by Guemnick. The three-story facility, which will replace Dumbarton Library, will encompass 50,000 to 60,000 square feet.

Rendering: Gumenick Properties