Henrico's new arena plan could bring major concerts and nightlife
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A rendering of what the arena district could look like. Photo: Courtesy of Henrico County
More than a year after the $2.3 billion GreenCity project collapsed, Henrico has unveiled a draft plan for redeveloping the former Best Products headquarters site.
Why it matters: The county-led concept includes turning the space into a walkable entertainment district with an arena, restaurants, nightlife, housing, parks and connections to the Fall Line Trail.
The big picture: The proposal revealed this week, which also overhauls the Brook Road corridor, is anchored by a 17,000-seat arena that would be the largest concert venue in the region — and a major tourism draw.
- It'd be surrounded by a mixed-use district with hotels, offices, apartments, townhomes and public gathering spaces.
- Planners also propose making parts of Brook Road more pedestrian- and transit-friendly, with daycares, art galleries, outdoor cafes and more.
- And to illustrate the potential, they're pointing to Arlington, Alexandria and Miami suburbs that have turned aging commercial strips into more "attractive and livable places."
Plus: The plan's footprint is massive.
- While the Best Products site encompassed about 93 acres, it's part of a larger 200-acre redevelopment area near I-95 and East Parham.
Reality check: The draft plan is a long-term blueprint of the development Henrico hopes to attract.
- But the county still needs a developer for the arena project, and the buildout could take decades.
What's next: Henrico's Planning Commission is set to consider the proposal next Thursday.