Visitors come by the bus-load to see lofts at Rocketts

Sunday, April 05, 2009

Everyone knows that a “boat load” is synonymous with a lot. You’d be surprised how big a” bus-load” is, too.

I learned this over the weekend as visitors were brought to Rocketts Landing by the bus load for the Downtown Loft Tour of Richmond.

The goal: to ooh and ahh at three beautifully furnished lofts. For some, it was their first chance to see Rocketts.

“I’m excited Richmond is doing this,” said Pat Zirkle, who was on the tour with her two daughters. “I love these kinds of events.”

Denny Petfield, a Richmond-native on the tour with his wife and another couple was equally excited. “I haven’t heard anything about the Rocketts Landing development project, but I’m interested to see how the buildings have been redone.”

Upon their arrival, visitors were ushered up to the top floor of 210 Rock. The two-story penthouse has three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a panoramic view of the James River from the living room. Outside the condominium is also a winding stair case that leads up to a roof-top patio complete with a fire pit, dining-area and view of the Richmond skyline.

“We are excited to be a part of the Rocketts Landing concept,” said Beth Saunders, who has been living in the condo on weekends with her family of four since October. “We’re originally from South Boston, Virginia, and at first we questioned the idea of moving here. But now we enjoy it and are happy to share our home with others,” she said.

The next stop on the tour (no bus needed) was Cedar Works Condominiums, located across the street from 210 Rock. The two-story loft is actually two units put together and belongs to Jason Vickers-Smith, vice-president of The WVS Companies, the developer of Rocketts Landing. His loft has wonderful exposed brick and cedar beams.

“I fell in love with the place when we first started work at Rocketts Landing,” said Vickers-Smith. “I have been living here since September and am happy to be helping the project with this tour.”

The final stop was at Sky Line, which is a bit closer to the river.  Judy Arenstein moved to Sky Line with her cat, Toby, from the Fan District. Her condo was on display.

Arenstein’s living room opens up onto a balcony overlooking the river and The Boathouse restaurant currently under construction (read more about that here).  She said she is getting excited about the restaurant’s opening in the fall and looking forward to watching the Rocketts Landing Collegiate Regatta from the comfort of her home.

"I like the community that Rocketts Landing has to offer,” she said.  “I felt isolated in other high-rises around Richmond. Plus, take a look out the window. You can’t beat that view.”