Jim Richardson, VP and project developer for Forest City Commercial Development tells GlobeSt.com there has been great response to the firm's marketing efforts. "The east side of Richmond has never had that much retail development. When we originally acquired the parcel we determined there would be a great deal of future growth here."

There is 150,000 sf of space remaining to be leased. This space will be occupied primarily by small shops or junior boxes, Richardson says. Also, he adds, there are another 11 outparcels for which the companies are currently in negotiations. "There are a lot of deals very close to being inked for these," he says, in the restaurant, local bank category. The Shops at White Oak Village will include a 757,000-sf Power Center and a 150,000-sf Lifestyle Center. Local officials estimate the Shops at White Oak Village will add 1,500 part-time and full-time jobs to the area.