RICHMOND, Va. – In Richmond, there’s growing concern within the West End community as rumors circulate about the potential demolition and redevelopment of local businesses. One beloved establishment, the Westhampton Pastry Shop, has vowed to fight against the possible displacement.
The Westhampton Pastry Shop, which has been a staple in the Richmond community for over 70 years, is facing an uncertain future. Local developers are considering demolishing the current structure and replacing it with a new one. This news came as a surprise to the bakery’s owner, George Oley, who expressed his initial skepticism when he first heard about the plans.
When we bought it, it was specifically to save the bakery, Oley explained. We considered Bill’s BBQ, the Clover Room, and Westhampton Bakery as icons of Richmond.
According to the Richmond Times-Dispatch, the plan is to erect a four-story, mixed-use building that would eventually accommodate the bakery and other businesses. However, during the construction phase, the bakery and other tenants would need to find temporary locations.
The Oley brothers, who bought the Westhampton Pastry Shop in 2016 to preserve its rich legacy, are determined to keep the bakery running regardless of the challenges they may face. They have no intention of letting go of this iconic establishment.
We’ve got no desire whatsoever to let it go. We’re not going to let it go, we’ll continue to run it, and we’ll just have to wait and see what the landlord’s plan is, Oley emphasized.
Another business affected by the potential redevelopment is Gild and Ash, a home and gift store located in the same building. Manager Ellie Caplice reassured customers that they plan to stay and wait to see how the situation unfolds.
We have a lot of regulars. We have a great customer base. A lot of people, when that article came out, they thought we were closing, Caplice said. We are planning on staying here for a while. We’re just going to wait and see what happens.
Many neighbors and concerned customers have expressed their opposition to the potential construction, going as far as putting up signs along Patterson Ave to show their support for these beloved local businesses.
To address the community’s concerns and allow residents to voice their opinions, a meeting was scheduled at the West End Library. The meeting aimed to discuss the potential changes and ensure that the community’s interests were taken into consideration.
While 12 On Your Side reached out to the owner of the building and business associate Tyler Currie for comment, they were unavailable for immediate response.
The fate of the Westhampton Pastry Shop and its neighboring businesses hangs in the balance as the Richmond community rallies to protect and preserve these icons. With a rich history spanning over 70 years, the Westhampton Pastry Shop has left an indelible mark on the city, and it remains to be seen whether its legacy will continue in the face of redevelopment.
As the Richmond community fights to save these local businesses, time will tell whether the Westhampton Pastry Shop can withstand the winds of change and remain a cherished institution for years to come.
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