The Sauer Center

Phase 1 of The Sauer Center redevelopment transformed the area with a mixed-use project anchored by Richmond’s second Whole Foods Market. It preserved the historic architectural character while introducing modern amenities and sustainable strategies.

This phase added over 300,000 square feet of Class A office space through adaptive reuse and new construction. The quick leasing by national tenants like CarMax and JPMorgan highlights the development’s strong location and quality by Sauer Properties.

The Sauer Center Phase II aims to transform a 37-acre industrial site into a vibrant mixed-use district over the next decade. It will feature walkable streets, public spaces, offices, and hotels, integrating with the existing historic character of the area.

The master plan includes 9 land bays and over 2 million square feet of development, primarily focused on residential multifamily apartments, with mixed-use office space and ground-floor retail. The completed project will create a neighborhood feel that seamlessly fits into the city.

The Sauer Center

One of Richmond’s oldest and most beloved companies, the C.F. Sauer spice company had its headquarters, factory, and distribution facility on West Broad Street since 1911 and helped to spur initial development in that area. The headquarters and large animated advertising sign, from the early 20th century, are listed as contributing structures to the West Broad Street Industrial and Commercial Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places.

Plans to transform the predominantly industrial area into a new bustling neighborhood broke ground in 2017 and are already creating a significant impact to the area, increasing leasing activity and connecting the West Broad Street Corridor from the Fan District to downtown with amenities, offices, retail, and housing.

Phase 1 of the redevelopment of the Sauer Center includes the construction of Richmond’s second Whole Foods Market in place of the former Pleasants Hardware Store. Design of the anchor grocer maintains the architectural fabric of the historic district while incorporating modern conveniences and technology like photo-voltaic installations and sustainable building systems. Demolition of the Pleasants building uncovered a brick wall with window openings at 2022 West Broad Street which was integrated into the interior design of the store. The Sauer Center Whole Foods Market opened to the public January 30, 2020.

Phase 1 also includes the renovation of the Putney Shoe Factory and adaptive reuse of historic warehouse facilities into Class A offices. Surface parking includes solar carport canopies designed to mimic Richmond’s historic railroad trestles as a nod to historic electric trolley stations.

CarMax and SingleStone Consulting are occupying office space in the Sauer Center. Great Minds is relocating their headquarters from Washington, DC to Richmond and selected the Sauer Center as their new home.

Planning for future phases of the Sauer Center is underway to ensure that the development is a vibrant place to work, live, and play creating a 24-hour community with social and professional amenities.

Sauer Industrial Center

The Sauer Industrial Center is a Class A, master-planned industrial park in Richmond, VA. Sauer Industrial Center is adjacent to Richmond International Airport, and is within close proximity to Interstate 64, Interstate 95, Interstate 295 and Route 895.

These industrial buildings can accommodate single or multi-tenant scenarios and are ideally suited for modern industrial distribution and manufacturing uses serving the Greater Richmond MSA, as well as the larger Mid-Atlantic region.

The master planned site encompasses approximately 405 acres of available land. Sauer Properties is currently marketing the Northwest Land Bay (Site 2) at the intersection of South Laburnum Ave. and Seven Hills Blvd. for Phase I of development.

All renderings and site plans are flexible and subject to change.

Village at Bon Air

Village at Bon Air is a redevelopment of the former Festival at Midlothian shopping center in Chesterfield County, transforming an aging retail asset into a more dynamic, mixed-use environment centered around residential living. The initiative follows the departure of several large-format retailers and reflects a broader effort to reposition the property with a more sustainable, community-oriented design.

The current development phase includes construction of approximately 200 apartment units across two four-story buildings, offering a mix of one- and two-bedroom layouts. Planned amenities such as a clubhouse, fitness center, pool, and outdoor gathering spaces are intended to support a neighborhood-style living experience.

As part of the redevelopment, a vacant 90,000-square-foot retail structure is being removed to make way for the residential component, while a portion of the existing shopping center will remain in operation with roughly 80,000 square feet of retail space.

Collectively, the project is designed to increase on-site activity and long-term viability by integrating housing with retained retail, improved pedestrian connections, and updated site features—effectively converting a traditional strip center into a more resilient, mixed-use destination.