Forest Hill Avenue Mixed-Use Construction Begins Now

Construction has officially commenced on a long-anticipated three-story mixed-use building located at 5069 Forest Hill Avenue. This modern development successfully replaces the outdated 1980s-era Westover Place shopping center, which was cleared following demolition work in 2023.

Local firms Blackwood Development Co. and Dumbarton Properties are collaborating as the codevelopers for this 0.7-acre urban property. The finalized blueprint will introduce 30 market-rate, one-bedroom apartments positioned thoughtfully above vibrant ground-floor commercial space.

Revitalizing the Urban Corridor

The ground-floor commercial portion encompasses 7,500 square feet of flexible retail areas divided into individual suites ranging from 1,000 to 4,000 square feet. For professionals seeking broader contextual insights, reading through our specialized architecture articles can offer a helpful lens on modern infill design.

Commercial Leasing and Neighborhood Growth

Developers plan to market these commercial suites aggressively to attract local food, beverage, and service enterprises. This infusion of community-focused retail heavily supports ongoing trends in home design and neighborhood walkability.

Overcoming Financial Hurdles

Although initially proposed back in 2021, the project experienced notable delays when interest rates doubled shortly after land acquisition. Favorable market adjustments in both interest rates and construction costs this year ultimately provided the green light to proceed.

Project Team and Future Outlook

KBS Inc. acts as the general contractor, WPA Studios serves as the project architect, and Blue Ridge Bank secured the financial backing. Scheduled for completion within a year, the building will seamlessly blend into the expanding architectural fabric detailed in our informational guides.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Project Snapshot: Mixed-use building rising on former Westover Place shopping center site on Forest Hill