BizSense Beat is a weekly collaboration between VPM News and Richmond BizSense that brings you the top business stories during NPR's Morning Edition on Fridays.
Here’s a recap of the top stories for the week of Aug. 11, 2023:
Willow Lawn landlord plots mixed-use urbanization of longtime shopping center
Reported by Richmond BizSense’s Mike Platania
For at least the third time in its history, Willow Lawn is being eyed for a major transformation.
Owner Federal Realty Investment Trust recently unveiled a long-term plan to redevelop the shopping center and its 37 acres into a new mixed-use district, that over time could include over 2,200 residential units and 500,000 square feet of commercial space.
The Maryland-based real estate firm spelled out its plans in a request it filed last month in Henrico, seeking to rezone Willow Lawn to the county’s Urban Mixed-Use Planned Development District designation.
A car-free Carytown? City proposal has business owners on the fence
Reported by Richmond BizSense’s Charlotte Matherly
A proposal being pondered by the City of Richmond could have Carytown closing off to car traffic in the coming years.
While the idea to make the retail corridor a pedestrian-only thoroughfare has been floated casually for years, it has gained traction of late through an ongoing online survey conducted by the city and resulting social media chatter.
It’s one of 140 ideas being considered by the department of public works for Richmond Connects, a strategic transportation improvement plan in the works.
Italian restaurant Sprezza slipping out of Shockoe and into the Fan
Reported by Richmond BizSense’s Mike Platania
After a year in Shockoe Slip, an Italian eatery is heading west to a longtime Fan restaurant space.
Sprezza is preparing to relocate to 203 N. Lombardy St., according to plans filed recently with the city.
Initially founded as a pop-up in 2021, Sprezza opened in the former Morton’s The Steakhouse space late last year at the corner of East Canal and Virginia streets. Last week the restaurant announced on social media that it was closing in Shockoe Slip and heading to an undisclosed location in the Fan.
A few days after the announcement, owner Angela Petruzzelli filed for an ABC license and certificate of occupancy for Sprezza for the Lombardy Street address.
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