Here’s a recap of the top stories for the week of June 13, 2025:
Henrico County approves tighter restrictions on data center developments
Reported by BizSense’s Jonathan Spiers
Henrico’s board of supervisors voted unanimously on new regulations that require public input and supervisors’ approval for any new data center project in the county.
The new zoning requirements were previously introduced at a joint meeting between county supervisors and Henrico’s planning commission. The county’s initial proposal would have created an overlay district aimed at encouraging more data centers within White Oak Technology Park.
Data centers had previously been allowed by-right among several of the county’s zoning districts. Varina Supervisor Tyrone Nelson said these regulations were devised to prevent the proliferation of data centers in unwanted parts of the county.
Nelson’s district is home to a large majority of the county’s data centers. County residents told VPM News they’re happy new regulations are in place, but fear the changes may have come too late, noting the county’s approval of a nearby 600-acre data center project.
“I'm hopeful and I'm optimistic with what we have right now," Aileen Rivera said. "It's a good start, and I'm grateful for all the work of the board of supervisors to try to include the community. I just hope there's even more opportunities for the community to collaborate."
Data center developers that were already in the process of securing permits for sites in Henrico will have to reapply in order to gain approval.
Lego Group to open retail store at Short Pump Town Center
Reported by BizSense’s Jack Jacobs
The Danish toymaking giant is looking to open a storefront in a 3,700-square-foot space at Short Pump, according to documents recently filed with Henrico County.
The anticipated opening date and precise location of the store are still up in the air. Among the currently empty spaces at the mall: a large storefront formerly occupied by Fink’s Jewelers on the ground level of the mall’s east side; the former Rock Bottom brewery on the second floor, next to L.L. Bean; and the long-vacant two-story building once home to Nordstrom.
This news comes as Lego is set to bring a 1.7 million-square-foot manufacturing facility in Chesterfield; last month, the company announced plans to open a 2 million-square-foot distribution center in Prince George.
Local electric vehicle retailer increases Richmond footprint
Reported by Jackie DiBartolomeo
Recharged, which sells used electric and hybrid vehicles, recently took control of the former HoneyCar lot at 8406 W. Broad St., where it hopes to open a second location.
The lot was previously the original location of CarLotz, a used-car consignment concept where Recharge co-founder John Foley worked as chief operating officer for eight years before he left in 2022.
HoneyCar acquired the assets and lease in early 2023 when CarLotz was absorbed by the now-bankrupt Shift Technologies.
Foley said the added lot will become a “buying and consignment center” for the company’s inventory, while the original Recharged site at 8410 W. Broad St. will focus on sales. Recharged could also look to establish a third location in Virginia that would operate as a hub for car reconditioning and servicing.
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