Bristol, Virginia economic growth building momentum

Economic development is the cornerstone for the sustenance and enhancement of any municipality or regional area. But often, it calls for intense patience as “economic development moves extremely slow,” as Mack Chapman, the Economic Development Specialist for the city of Bristol, Virginia, spotlights.

Point of Ignition: Bristol Casino

In Bristol, Virginia the emergence of Bristol Casino; Future Home of Hard Rock has served as a propellant elevating the drive for business expansion. In 2022, Vision LLC, a property investment company, procured a strip mall, named Centre Point, along the Gate City Highway, located just opposite the casino. More than two years later, half of the property is now filled with local businesses that anticipate benefiting from the casino’s proximity.

“What they can see is driving traffic to their future business here. We’ve been able to take it from a facility that didn’t have tenants to a facility that is over half full now,” stated Denise Myers, President of Vision LLC.

Reviving a Staple: The Italian Village

Italian Village is the latest addition to Centre Point’s expanding roster. Chapman expressed, “A lot of people don’t realize that Italian Village used to be here. It used to be a staple in the Bristol Mall. That was one thing I wanted to bring back. I think it would be a good addition to the city.”

Future Foci: Downtown and the Falls

The downtown Bristol area and The Falls are also on the radar for development expansion. Chapman informed, “Downtown we are actually working with Believe in Bristol right now on a grant we received. We are working to fill those downtown businesses. Downtown should see another facelift in the coming months.”

A major retailer was planned for The Falls area, although construction costs and financing propelled expenses. Despite this, negotiations with the retailer, flanked by two others, are continuing. To allure ventures, the city has proposed rebates, enabling firms to reclaim a segment of the longevity, sales, or meal taxes upon their arrival.

The missing bead: Chapman & his vision

Chapman remains undeterred by challenges, persisting in his endeavor to bring as many businesses as he can to Bristol, Virginia. “Costco is a big one. Everyone wants Costco. I’ve been beating down that door for two years. Everybody wants Buc-ee’s. Been beating that for two years. I’m beating the doors down. I’m just trying to figure out how to get them here,” he shared. Indeed, the gears of economic development may move slowly, but with Chapman at the helm, it’s accelerating in Bristol, Virginia.