The Richmond-Times Dispatch had an article in the Metro Business section yesterday about the opening of Westchester Commons this week. Times-Dispatch writer Louis Llovio reports on the transition of of the area from a rural to urban area.Read the entire article on the Times-Dispatch web site >>>
When John Watkins looks out across the wide open landscape that used to be his playground, he doesn't see Westchester Commons, one of the largest retail developments in the Richmond area.
The Republican state senator from Powhatan County points over a half-built row of retail stores. "That is where my parents lived. Where I grew up."
Then he turns to another spot a few hundred yards north, this one between two buildings. "That's where my house was. Where I raised three kids," Watkins said.
The land has changed since Watkins was boy.
Acres of trees spread out as far as the eye could see back then. He and his cousins camped out in the woods and had the run of the place.
His family had owned the property since 1876. Watkins Nursery operated there before moving to Amelia County.
Now, the land has been stripped of those trees and is becoming one of the Richmond area's newest shopping centers.
Westchester Commons is the retail component of the Watkins Centre development at state Route 288 and Midlothian Turnpike in Chesterfield County.
Watkins Centre was zoned in 2006 for 1.3 million square feet of retail space and 2.1 million square feet for offices on 640 acres.
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