What is the Local Redevelopment Program?
Dick’s Sporting Goods was a Local Redevelopment Program awardee located in River Ridge Mall.
Designed to support small business real property investments and expand real estate tax receipts for the city, the Local Redevelopment Program has been effective in incentivizing public-private partnerships and private investments. By assisting property owners and/or business owners with real property and capital investment projects, we are able to help decrease vacancy rates, revitalize areas and increase the City’s tax base. This year, $150,000 was awarded to support 18 local businesses through the Local Redevelopment Program, creating and retaining almost 200 jobs and leveraging $13.7 million in capital investments across the City.
Award Recipients
This year’s recipients were not only located all across the City, but spanned a wide variety of fields. From corporate offices to medical offices, manufacturers of small and large scale products, to investment planning and baked goods…this truly is a program for everyone. Below, we highlight a few of our award recipients.
The Free Clinic of Central Virginia
The Free Clinic of Central Virginia is located in Downtown Lynchburg on Main Street.
A staple in Downtown LYH for many years, the mission of the Free Clinic is to ensure high-quality, compassionate, and comprehensive healthcare for every member of the community. They fulfill this mission by providing high-quality medical, dental, pharmacy, behavioral health, and health education services to those in Central Virginia who do not have the resources to obtain these essential healthcare services.
Comprised of a staff of less than 20, the Free Clinic relies on the contributions of community partners and thousands of volunteer hours. Many local healthcare providers volunteer their free time to serve patients at the Free Clinic.
The waiting room and welcome area was renovated through the Local Redevelopment Program.
Last year, the clinic underwent a much-needed upgrade, not only to the façade outside but to the patient care rooms and main waiting area. This renovation provides a safe, welcoming environment in which their patients can receive the highest quality care while ensuring privacy and respect. A significant portion of their patients come for dental care, and with the new upgrades, they are able to provide critical dental services in a bright, modern and cheerful space.
For more information, visit freeclinicva.org
Buff City Soaps
Buff City Soap is located off of Wards Rd.
If you’ve been down Wards Road recently, you may have noticed this new addition to the shopping area. Buff City Soaps has been gaining popularity along the East Coast, and the LYH location is no exception. Buff City states that they are “on a mission to create handmade products that are free of harsh ingredients and full of nourishing plant-based goodness.”
Handmade soaps are made on-site daily, but that’s not the only product they sell! Lotions, body butters, scent rollers, bath bombs and even laundry detergent are all available for purchase – and can be custom-made to your own specifications. Customers can pick their own scents, mix scents, or even choose unscented products.
Buff City also offers workshops and classes – including birthday parties. To check out all of their offerings, visit buffcitysoap.com – then visit them in person to get the full experience!
The newly renovated lobby at WestRock
Other Recipients
While we aren’t able to post photos of every award recipient, we did want to acknowledge them here. Below is a full list of our 2022 Local Redevelopment Award Recipients. Congratulations to all of these businesses, and thank you for your continued investment in LYH!
Free Clinic of Central Virginia
Schewels Home
River Ridge (Dick’s Sporting Goods)
River Ridge (Food Court)
Oldham Dentistry
Batter Bar
Surgery Center of Lynchburg
Mi Patron
Bausch & Lomb
7 Grains Planning
LU Civil Engineering
Westrock
Miller Built
Wegmann, U.S.A.
RNR Tire
Timberlake Station Group
Buff City Soaps
Lynchburg Ready Mix
How to Apply
Applying for the Local Redevelopment Program couldn’t be easier! If a property or business owner pulls a building permit of $25,000 or more, they are automatically included in our list of potential applicants. We review each property in advance to ensure that it meets all qualifications, then send the application to you directly. The program runs from March 1st – February 28th each year, with applications being due by May 1st for work done in that time period. Applications are reviewed and scored, and awards are distributed in the month of June each year.
If you have any questions, please visit our webpage or reach out to our Economic Development Manager at alisha.meador@lynchburgva.gov.