Some might call it a “rediscovered” gem. After nearly 60 years of getting very little attention from investors, home buyers and retailers, the Brookland Park Historic District is suddenly receiving a tremendous amount of overdue attention.
Like Ginter Park and Bellevue, Brookland Park and Battery Park were originally conceived as streetcar neighborhoods. Most of the residences were built between 1910 and the early 1940’s in the American Foursquare, Colonial Revival and Craftsman styles, although, there are a few examples of Italianate, Queen Anne, Late Victorian and even Greek Revival design peppered in. Stucco, brick and wood are the predominant building materials.
The neighborhoods are ripe with potential for outdoor enthusiasts. There are several parks such as the Battery Park Community Center (with tennis courts and pool), Hotchkiss Park and the recent addition of the Cannon Creek Greenway for pedestrians and bicyclists (a great way to access the Virginia Capital Trail from Northside). The First Tee of Greater Richmond driving range and the downtown riverfront are also just a short bike ride or quick drive away.
Residential investors and first time home buyers have seen these areas as opportunities in recent years. Just a quick drive through the neighborhood will give you an immediate sense of the interest in these homes. It’s almost as if there is at least one construction dumpster and renovation crew working every couple of blocks… sometimes more than one project on a block!
Investment in the commercial corridor along Brookland Park Boulevard and North Avenue has also seen a significant uptick in the last year and a half. Retailers, restaurateurs, and other business operators have begun to take notice and are contributing to the vision of a revived commercial district.
Here are a few of places to visit next time you are there:
Brookland Park Market – A gourmet market in Brookland Park for prepared meals, meats, cheeses, unique grocery items, sandwiches, hot dinners, plant-based & vegetarian foods, desserts, beer & wine.
The Smoky Mug – Amazing neighborhood spot for upscale coffee, BBQ and delicious accompaniments
Michaela’s Quality Bake Shop – Fancy a bit of nostalgia? Try the Thalhimer’s Six Layer Cake
Almas – Art Gallery and boutique local artisan shop
Fuzzy Cactus – A Rock and Roll restaurant and bar focusing on building Richmond’s music community and supporting touring musicians.
Savage Apparel Company – Custom apparel
Nomad Deli & Catering – Quick quality grub
Boogaloos Bar & Grill – A creole inspired neighborhood grill
Ninja Kombucha – Providing the Richmond community with high quality, delicious kombucha.
Scrap RVA – Promoting sustainability, creativity, and community engagement by redistributing discarded material to the community for creative and educational projects
Brookland Park Homes for Sale
Homes For Sale
