The developer behind the new baseball proposal, a story that the Richmond Times-Dispatch first reported, came forward on Thursday.
They had wished to remain anonymous until they could have additional discussion with city offiicials, but after the press they show to reveal their identity.
The below statements were sent by press release to all members of the media:
Rebkee has developed a privately financed alternative for a baseball stadium at the Boulevard that was featured in today's Times-Dispatch. Our original goal was to have additional discussions with City officials before the plan was made public, but the news article today has caused us to unexpectedly change those plans. Our goal is to provide an alternative which, should the Bottom proposal not be successful, would allow for continued use of the Boulevard site for baseball while still allowing the redevelopment proposed by the Mayor.
Our development team for this project is led by Rebkee principal Rob Hargett and is made up of several local investors. Rebkee is a full service real estate development company headquartered in Midlothian, VA. Founded in 1991 Rebkee has projects throughout Virginia, Maryland, and North Carolina.
Rebkee is the developer of the $40 million Interbake (FFV) Building redevelopment that is helping revitalize the area around Boulevard and Broad Street. Rebkee also recently built a CVS at Broad Rock and Walmsley Boulevard and also owns property near VCU. Rebkee is also invested in Shockoe Bottom and completed the United Paper Co. apartments renovation and recently purchased more than $1 million of properties and is committed to working to see that neighborhood continue to thrive.
The entire Interbake ownership group is part of the team that would develop the ball park. This includes Dan Gecker, whose office is located in Shockoe Bottom and whose company recently announced additional real estate development in the Manchester section of the City. It also includes Steve Leibovic, who has developed and owns numerous other properties in the City including the nearby Southern Stove Works.
