Project gives city optimism

HOPEWELL -- A mixed-development project for downtown Hopewell has city residents and officials hopeful.

The city has been waiting for a project to begin a transformation of downtown from a deserted area into a livelier district and a walkable community with modern shops, restaurants and living spaces, city officials said.

The City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved a development agreement between the city and developer Butterworth's Lofts LLC, a Richmond-based group that plans to restore the former Larkin Hotel at 245 E. Broadway St., most recently used by Butterworth's Furniture, and an adjacent warehouse and lot, built in 1916.

The plan is to convert the building into 32 residential units and about 4,200 square feet of retail space. There will be 19 one-bedroom units and 13 two-bedroom units that will rent at $800 to $1,100 monthly.

Amenities will include a landscaped and gated courtyard and a 2,500-square-foot second-floor terrace to be used by a prospective restaurant and a common area for tenants.

The property is within walking distance of the new Hopewell branch of the Appomattox Regional Library System, the Beacon Theater, the city's government buildings, and several restaurants and shops.

John M. Altman Jr., assistant city manager for development, said the project is significant because it puts a vacant historical structure back in use. "It also puts people in downtown," he said. "Those individuals will eat at the restaurants and create a need for additional services. The residential component will help drive the retail and commercial component."

Right now, the downtown restaurants are supported during business hours by people working at the downtown banks, office buildings and government agencies. But after 5 p.m. and on weekends, downtown is a deserted area.

The city plans to close the deal next month. The developer said construction is set to begin at the end of March, with a projected completion time of 10 to 12 months.

The developer will pay the city $50,000 for the property as part of the agreement.

With one group in the process of rehabilitating one building, opportunities could open up for more rehabilitation projects and overall improvement of downtown, said Councilwoman Christina J. Bailey, who represents that district.

"It took longer to happen than it should have. But I am happy it is happening," she said.

Contact Luz Lazo at (804) 649-6058 or .