Nearly seven months after its grand opening, the central “main street” area of Westchester Commons in Chesterfield County remains empty with little hope of finding tenants anytime soon. While the outer parcels of the 845,000-square-foot center have largely been leased, the pedestrian-friendly central corridor is eerily vacant with only two tenants in the nearly quarter-mile stretch of the development. The economic downturn, which has forced retailers to scale back expansion plans and has slowed home building in the area, could mean it will remain that way for some time.

It’s been a busy year for paint entrepreneur Sally Fretwell. And, if things go as planned, it’ll only get busier.

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.

The new centers will bring some new retailers to the area as well as some old favorites. West Broad Village in western Henrico County has a Kona Grill restaurant, and will have a HomeGoods home furnishings store and a Recreational Equipment Inc., (known as REI) an outdoor gear and clothing store. All are new to the Richmond area. Westchester Commons, the retail component of the Watkins Centre off Midlothian Turnpike and state Route 288 in Chesterfield, will have a Target, a Regal Cinema as well as other restaurants and retailers.