News » 7 examples shine
Rob Weiss’ vision helped turn an abandoned, shoddy corner of Richmond into a showpiece of progress.
Reid Hospital turned 99 wooded acres on a hill into a shining beacon of health care.
Rally’s restaurant joined them in offering strong curb appeal as road construction along Chester Boulevard transforms northern Richmond.
The three were among seven projects honored Thursday during the Community Improvement Awards Luncheon sponsored by the Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce.
The eighth annual event drew 180 to Forest Hills Country Club in Richmond.
Other honored projects were: Fellowship Baptist Church, Seton Catholic gym, J&J Winery and Tiedemann-Bev’s Industries.
Emcee Eric VanVleet alluded to them as mountaintop projects, those that stand out for their beauty.
Many young faces were in the crowd as Spirit Awards were bestowed upon those who served and helped lead the Lemonade Day and All-America City campaigns.
“They have been an inspiration and example for us,” said chamber President Dennis Andrews. “The kids set a good example for the adults.”
Weiss’ project at 990 Chester Blvd. was selected for the Exemplary Award.
J&MW Holdings, which is owned by Weiss and wife Chris, bought the former LoBill’s in July 2007.
Their business turned the old grocery store into a modern, eye-appealing medical center with upgrades that include a coffee kiosk in the parking lot.
“It is a marked improvement to an area with a high volume of traffic,” said Amy Holthouse of the chamber.
She and Kelly Hale alternated comments about the honored projects.
Rod Weiss said his project involved a strong spirit of cooperation among contractor Whitewater Construction, architect Maze & Associates, Wasson Nursery and First Richmond Bank.
“It’s a great honor to be recognized by your peers and other leaders in the community,” Weiss said after the ceremony. “I saw a vacant building we could make into something very nice, turn into a good use.”
Reid Hospital was given a special honor – Elevating the Quality of Life – for the beauty and functionality of its new campus.
“Every element…was created with patients and visitors in mind, VanVleet said.
“The facility is a showpiece for our community”
Award Winners:
Tiedemann-Bev’s Industries, 4225 W. Industries Road: “The building adds a distinctive design and color scheme to Richmond’s Midwest Industrial Park and has a welcoming quality that is highly visible from Interstate 70.”