Short Pump’s West Broad Village- Will Residents Want to Live in an Urban Village Here?

I am sure everyone has been affected by the sheer size of the West Broad Village’s construction activities here in Short Pump. The project is 526,000 square feet which is amazing but is it really big enough to create the “urban village” setting that they hope will attract residents who will want to live in a main street setting with a more city like atmosphere?

To me, it seems strange because Short Pump is not an urban setting but rather a suburban setting. I lived in an urban setting for 6 years prior to moving to Richmond and what attracted me to living in a real urban areas was that the entire area was an urban setting.

I just wonder whether a miniature replica of an urban setting covering a relatively small section of the area is sufficient to be successful for people who want to live in such a setting?

Now, I am not a real estate expert and I am sure the real estate developers did their research.  Perhaps, there will be a group of baby boomers who will enjoy having sidewalks and places to walk to for shopping and eating.

My concern mostly focuses on the residential aspect of the area.  I can see where restaurants like McCormick & Schmicks and Dave & Busters will attract a strong following just as the other main stream franchised restaurants in Short Pump.

I do hope they are successful in selling their 545 townhouse and 339 apartments/condo units as I would hate to see a vacant glut in the midst of the other activity in West Broad Village.  Time will tell!