Sauer Properties, Inc. has selected Hoffman & Associates as its development partner for the next phase of The Sauer Center, a long-term mixed-use project in Richmond. The appointment aligns with Sauer Properties’ plan to continue shaping the Sauer family’s 37-acre master-planned district, which is designed to connect the West Broad Street Corridor from the Fan District to downtown through a mix of uses and amenities.
The upcoming phase is positioned as a continuation of the broader evolution of The Sauer Center, which is envisioned as a hub linking key parts of the city with office, retail, housing, and other neighborhood-serving uses. The district concept emphasizes creating a cohesive environment rather than a single-asset development, with Sauer Properties and Hoffman & Associates collaborating to advance that multi-phase vision.
Phase II will build on the foundation laid by the initial phase of The Sauer Center. The first phase included a Whole Foods Market, which serves as a key retail anchor, as well as adaptive reuse of existing buildings into office space. These elements established both a daily-use retail component and repurposed office inventory, setting a precedent for the project’s focus on mixed-use integration and repositioning of existing structures.
According to Sauer Properties, the next phase of the project will prioritize connectivity and access to green space while reinforcing a long-term investment commitment to Richmond. The plan calls for a blend of residential, commercial, and diverse retail offerings once Phase II is built out, expanding the district’s role as a mixed-use destination along the West Broad Street Corridor.
Pre-development work for Phase II is already underway, and the project is slated to break ground in late 2027. While detailed programming and timelines beyond the planned start date have not been disclosed, the involvement of Hoffman & Associates signals continued momentum for the overall district plan.
Maria Thompson, President of Hoffman & Associates, described the collaboration with Sauer Properties as an opportunity to contribute to the future of a historic site in Richmond. She noted that The Sauer Center reflects the kind of ambitious, community-rooted development that aligns with the firm’s approach and highlighted the company’s intention to deepen its presence in the city through this partnership.
With Phase I already delivering a grocery anchor and repurposed office space, and Phase II set to introduce additional residential, commercial, and retail components, The Sauer Center remains positioned as an evolving mixed-use district intended to knit together multiple parts of Richmond’s urban fabric.
