Petersburg, Virginia Secures $9M for Transformative Mixed-Use Development
TL;DR
Sycamore Grove will feature a new grocery store and townhomes, providing a competitive advantage for businesses and homeowners in the area.
The development team, led by Harold Johnson and Nicole Cober, aims to use public-private partnerships to create economic growth in emerging communities.
Sycamore Grove is a transformative project that addresses health disparities and food deserts, bringing hope and economic growth to the people of Petersburg.
The groundbreaking of Sycamore Grove in historic Petersburg, Virginia marks a significant milestone in the revitalization of the city.
Found this article helpful?
Share it with your network and spread the knowledge!

In a significant move towards urban renewal, the Virginia Development Consortium (VDC) has secured nearly $9 million in funding for the Sycamore Grove project, a mixed-use development in Petersburg, Virginia. The project, celebrated at a recent groundbreaking ceremony attended by Governor Glenn Youngkin and Mayor Sam Parham, aims to transform one of the nation's oldest cities, currently facing substantial health and economic challenges.
Sycamore Grove is set to include a new grocery store, 174 townhomes, and retail establishments, addressing Petersburg's status as a food desert and its position as the lowest-ranked city in Virginia for health disparities. The development will feature homes built by NVR/Ryan Homes and A&L Home Builders, a minority-owned business, alongside retail spaces for Bonfire Wings and Loving Hands Childcare, both minority-owned enterprises.
This project represents more than just new construction; it's a concerted effort to rejuvenate a predominantly African American community that has long been underserved. The inclusion of a grocery store is particularly significant, as it directly addresses the food insecurity issues plaguing the area. Furthermore, the mixed-use nature of the development promises to create jobs and stimulate economic growth in a city that desperately needs it.
The involvement of minority-owned businesses in this project is noteworthy, potentially serving as a model for inclusive urban development. Led by Harold Johnson and Nicole Cober of Cober Johnson and Romney, the development team brings experience from successful mixed-use projects in other emerging communities, suggesting a well-informed approach to Petersburg's revitalization.
As the project moves forward, with the city set to convey property and funding to Virginia Commonwealth University for the grocery store's construction, Sycamore Grove stands as a beacon of hope for Petersburg's residents. Its success could have far-reaching implications, potentially inspiring similar public-private partnerships in other struggling urban areas across the United States. The project demonstrates how targeted development can address multiple community needs simultaneously, from housing and nutrition to economic opportunities and childcare services.
Curated from News Direct


