Richmond's Scott's Addition Keeps Building Out

RICHMOND, VA — The blocks between West Broad Street and the Boulevard were mostly warehouses and light industry a decade ago. Today Scott's Addition holds a dense cluster of breweries, cideries, a food hall, coffee roasters and hundreds of new apartments.

The district's growth follows a familiar pattern: cheap industrial space drew small producers, the producers drew visitors, and the visitors drew residential development. Breweries such as The Veil and Hardywood helped establish the area's reputation, and newer arrivals have filled in the side streets.

Conversions lead the way

Most of the new housing has come from adaptively reusing older buildings rather than clearing land. Former factories and warehouses now hold loft apartments with exposed brick and timber, a format that has proven popular with renters who want walkability without a downtown address.

What the city is watching

As the district fills in, Richmond has focused on the street network. Broad Street carries bus rapid transit, and the city has been adding bike infrastructure and crosswalks to connect Scott's Addition with the Museum District and the Fan.

Parking remains the most common complaint from residents and businesses alike, and several projects have reduced required parking in favor of structured garages.

What comes next

Several parcels along Arthur Ashe Boulevard and Leigh Street are still undeveloped or under construction. How those sites are built out will determine whether the district keeps its small-producer character or becomes a more conventional mixed-use corridor.