Creating a Sense of Place

Strategically located at the interchange of Route 288 and Midlothian Turnpike in western Chesterfield County, Watkins Centre is a critical component of the economic engine that will drive the Richmond metropolitan region as it enters the 21st century.

Encompassing approximately 640 acres of total land area between four quadrants of the 288 interchange, Watkins Centre is positioned to become Richmond's premier business and lifestyle address. The mixed-use development as articulated in Chesterfield County's Comprehensive Plan will be primarily dedicated to commercial uses, including office, retail and light industrial, along with high-density residential.

Upon build-out, the interchange will become the employment center for Chesterfield County. A portion of the project will be dedicated to the development of a new urban core characterized by mid-rise and high-rise office buildings, hotels and conference center, upscale retail and integrated residential.

Watkins Centre is the highest point in western Richmond and capitalizes on the area's existing topography, natural features and history as a landscape nursery to create a unique, integrated development.

Growth

The Mid-Atlantic region is one of the fastest-growing areas in the United States, and grew at a rate of 12.89% between 1990 and 2000. According to the US Census Bureau, the Richmond, Virginia MSA grew at the rate of 15.12% during this same period. A disproportionate percentage of the regional growth originated in Chesterfield County, which grew at a rate of 24.03%. Within a 5-mile radius of Watkins Centre, growth outpaced both the region and Chesterfield County at a staggering 29.22%.

Similarly, Chesterfield County residents earned significantly more than the US and regional averages, with 68% of households earning in excess of $50,000 per year as of 2001. Within 10 miles of Watkins Centre, the average household income is estimated at $98,087 for 2002. Chesterfield County residents also have obtained higher educational levels, with 58.52% of the population over age 25 having attended college.

Watkins Centre lies within a days' drive of one-half of the US population. Richmond is a major transportation hub with direct access to Interstates 95, 85 and 64. Upon completion, Rt. 288 will serve as the final component of a circumferential interstate system, a defacto outer loop which will link western Henrico and Goochland Counties to Watkins Centre and the balance of the Richmond MSA. Persons living or working at Watkins Centre will benefit from unparalleled vehicular access to Rt. 288. The interchange with Midlothian Turnpike is a full cloverleaf, and two additional points of access have been approved by VDOT for Watkins Centre directly onto Rt. 288.

Watkins Centre has been designed as an integrated high-end mixed-use development, incorporating stringent design guidelines, multi-modal transportation, and an emphasis on green areas in a pedestrian friendly environment. Watkins Centre offers a healthy lifestyle for residents and workers alike. Building upon the property's 125-year history as Watkins Nursery, a heavy emphasis will be placed on architecture and building aesthetics. It is anticipated that upon completion, Watkins Centre will be comprised of a network of mid and high-rise buildings offering opportunities for business, residency, shopping, entertainment and recreation.

Watkins Centre will capitalize upon its strategic location in a high-growth, high-income area to provide opportunities for personal growth and enrichment. According to the Rt. 288 Corridor Study adopted by Chesterfield County, Watkins Centre will serve as a regional employment center, incorporating a mix of office, retail and high-density residential uses. The latest technologies in design and information will be incorporated into the development. Emphasis will be placed on healthy lifestyles in all aspects of Watkins Centre, building upon its rich 125-year history.