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# 'These buildings have become infamous': Henrico buys vacant properties near airport with intent to redevelop
- URL: https://www.richmonder.org/these-buildings-have-become-infamous-henrico-buys-vacant-properties-near-airport-with-intent-to-redevelop/
- Published: 2026-09-22T20:00:12.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-22T21:46:29.000Z
- Description: "We've been working to ensure that we create a true sense of place as people enter this community."
- Author: Richmonder Staff
- Tags: Henrico County, #lead

Henrico officials [announced a new initiative](https://www.youtube.com/live/KSajWLTwTcw) called "Rebuild Henrico" on Tuesday, declaring their intent to purchase several parcels of land along Williamsburg Road near Richmond International Airport.

The county has closed on the former All Day Inn, purchasing the site for $3 million, and will close next week on the former Bowl America, purchasing it for $2.9 million.

Tyrone Nelson, who represents the Varina District, said the county will be cracking down on blight in the area.

"These buildings have become infamous," Nelson said, noting that the two sites have had 30 code violation cases opened since 2022.

"These strategically located sites will be cleared and marketed as prime redevelopment opportunities," Nelson said. "We believe with this jump-start, we hope that other property owners and investors will see similar opportunities up and down the corridor."

He said in initial discussions, some property owners have been resistant to sell. He also said the county will have to lobby VDOT, which maintains the road, for the right to install planned sidewalks, crosswalks, lighting and other amenities.

Perry Miller, CEO of the Capital Region Airport Commission, said the timing is intentional as the Richmond airport prepares for a major milestone – it will turn 100 years old next October.

"We've been working to ensure that we create a true sense of place as people enter this community," he said. "There is something great happening at the airport. We are transforming the airport to be a true international airport that is the gateway not only to this community, but also a gateway for the Richmond region to reach the world."

[Richmond officials are courting a nonstop flight to Europe. It won’t be cheap.“We are losing projects because of a lack of direct flights.”![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1-1b505dd4-90df-4f49-aaea-0d8a8709e62c.png)The RichmonderMichael Phillips![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/thumbnail/IMG_0805--2--1-619f3f5b-0db1-4ad8-ba4d-94f5248ef69e.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-officials-are-courting-a-nonstop-flight-to-europe-it-wont-be-cheap/)

Officials said nearby residents had been complaining about the state of the buildings on Williamsburg Road, and that officials found homeless people living there this summer.

"We will continue to advocate for making Williamsburg Road safer for motorists and pedestrians," Nelson said.

*This article has been updated with purchase amounts.*