Town of Colonial Beach Clears Way for Largest Redevelopment Project in Over 125 Years
Sale of 12 parcels will create intentionally
designed homes, and mixed-use area.
The Town Council of Colonial Beach has approved the sale of 12 real estate parcels to Dodson Development for $2.7 million. The Richmond-based development firm, which is an established name in the Virginia capital for residential and commercial property management and real estate development, plans to develop a four-phase project calling for townhomes, renovated office and retail buildings, and mixed-use space on the boardwalk consisting of commercial, retail and residences — all in a style that pays homage to the Town’s history.
“We appreciate Town Council and Management, community groups, and residents who have allowed us the time to listen to the community’s story, invite us to the table, and given us insight on how to create a purposeful development that aligns to both Colonial Beach’s history and goals for its future,” says Duke Dodson, president and founder of Dodson Development. “We promise to continue these conversations, listen and learn, and move forward responsibly in a manner that benefits the Town and provides residents and visitors alike with valuable new real estate.”
The four-phase development will create new jobs and generate new tax revenues for town services and infrastructure, attract new businesses, and provide additional lodging, shopping, and recreation options for visitors to the second largest public sand beach in the Commonwealth.
In addition, Dodson will donate $20,000 to Downtown Colonial Beach over each phase of the multi-year project ($5,000 per phase). The funds will be earmarked for continued historic preservation, tourism promotion, and town beautification.
The project encompasses four Phases, which are expected to be completed in the next five years:
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Phase I constructs three-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom detached homes and townhouses at the corner of Wilder and Douglas avenues, adjacent to Town Hall. The community will include a pool and picnic area.
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Phase II renovates three existing office and retail spaces downtown.
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Phase III builds 9 residential 2 BR and 3 BR condominiums and ground floor commercial space.
“We promise to continue these conversations, listen and learn, and move forward responsibly in a manner that benefits the Town and provides residents and visitors alike with valuable new real estate.”
— Duke Dodson, Founder and President, Dodson Development Group
Town Manager Quinn Robertson and Duke Dodson began discussing the idea of redevelopment earlier this year, after Town Council voted to list several Town-owned properties for sale.
“A little over two years ago, Town of Colonial Beach began promoting itself as a beach, river and boating destination for folks from Washington, D.C., Richmond, and elsewhere throughout the Commonwealth and other nearby states,” explains Robertson. “Attracting investors who saw our potential was always part of that strategy, but we also wanted to ensure that any development stayed true to the history of the town and retained the charm and quaintness that defines us. We look forward to working with Dodson Development on the vision for Town of Colonial Beach.”
About Dodson Development
Dodson Development plans, designs, constructs and acquires residential and commercial properties in Virginia. Dodson Development is a subsidiary of Dodson Companies, which manages more than 4,000 residential units (single- and multi-family homes), has an active and growing HOA division of 3,000 homes, and manages and maintains 1.7 million square feet of commercial space. The company is active across Virginia, Florida, and is expanding throughout the Southeast.
About Town of Colonial Beach
Town of Colonial Beach, Virginia (CBVA), is steeped in history, from its original patent in 1651 to its incorporation in 1892 to its establishment as the “Playground of the Potomac” in the early 19th Century and epicenter of the 100-year-old oyster wars that lasted until the 1960s. Located on the shores of the Potomac River, Town of Colonial Beach is home to the second largest public sand beach in the commonwealth, and is quickly becoming a destination for residents of Richmond, Fredericksburg, Northern Virginia, and Washington, D.C.