HENRICO, Va. -- In the next few years the mall at Regency Square in Henrico will undergo renovations.
The renovations are projected to be at least $30 million and will transition the mall away from dependence on just retail, and into mixed-use.
The mall is under the new ownership of developers Rebkee Company and Thalhimers Realty, based in Chesterfield and Henrico County respectively, who bought the property back in February of this year. They hope to revive what was once the leading mall in the Richmond area.
The two-level parking lot along Quioccasin Road will come down to make space for new retail shops.
Locals shoppers are looking forward to the new upgrades.
"I'm definitely excited!" said Samantha Toney of Midlothian. "I think it's good for the area to bring some more new people into this mall."
This two-level parking lot along the Quioccasin Road will come down to make space for new retail shops.
The idea is to play on Regency's strengths against their competition.
The mall, originally built in 1975, will get a new look as well.
"I don't know if it'll replace the Short Pump or Midlothian or something but if it's got the right stores, and some restaurants and things it'll be great," said Sharon Long of Henrico.
"When I come here, I pass Stony Point -- so I know that took a lot of customers away from this mall especially coming from Midlothian, so.," Toney said. "But I come here for Forever 21."
Many shoppers have enjoyed covered parking over the years, but there are no indications from the renderings how Regency Square will replace those spaces.
"I don't think we need the parking deck necessarily, so knocking it down is an issue -- I don't think that will deter people from coming," Toney said.
Long feels differently about it.
"I love having covered parking in the rain. Who doesn't? Yeah, I'm mean that's a real plus."
Renovations for the project could begin as early as next summer.
