Another Commercial Tenant

Friday, January 15, 2010

Another business is setting up at Rocketts.
 


On January 1, Virginia First Financial moved into a 2,100-square-foot office in the Old Richmond Raft Building on the corner of Dock and Main streets. The firm, which has three employees, provides tax planning, financial planning and accounting for small businesses and local residents. 
 


Owner Eric Stamper knew it was time for a change in location when they started outgrowing the office on Chamberlayne Avenue. 
 


“The area before served us well,” says Stamper, “but it was a place you made do with. I made my mind up coming into 2010 that it was time to get a feel [and location] that is more in line with my offerings and my personality — and the clients I’m trying to attract.”
 


As a member of the Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities (APVA), Stamper was drawn to the Rocketts location because of the building and area’s historic significance. 
 


“The only other choice I considered was a warehouse in Manchester,” says Stamper. “It still had the same flavor, the salvageable old mixed with the new. Even in this building here we have exposed brick. The reaction from my existing clients is that there’s no question this [location] is more than in line with what I want.”
 


In Rocketts Landing’s long-term development plan, the Old Richmond Raft House will eventually be demolished. Stamper said this outlook didn’t deter him from moving to Rocketts, as he is fond of the entire Rocketts Landing community.
 


“At that point, I will move up to the ‘main house,’” says Stamper, a reference to the commercial spaces at 210 Rock and Cedar Works.
 


But until then, Stamper is enjoying his business’s new home and can’t wait to experience the spring season by the river.