Earlham Commons, an exciting new food and dining development on land owned by Earlham College, will open in January 2024 as part of continued efforts to elevate the student experience and revitalize campus life.
The College, in partnership with Richmond-based StampD Development, are finalizing deals to bring tenants to the development, which is located at the corner of National Road West and College Avenue.
Parlor Doughnuts, an upscale coffee and donut shop, is expected to occupy the eastern side of the development. Roots by Tree Hill Farms, a farm-to-table restaurant and bar, has been proposed to locate on the western side. Parlor Doughnuts is headquartered in Evansville, Indiana-and has grown to 50 locations in 13 states. Roots has two other Indiana locations; a restaurant and bar in Winchester, and a deli in Union City.
“Our anchor tenants will be unique to Wayne County and feature the kind of options that our students and employees are looking for,” Earlham President Anne Houtman said. “In addition to the obvious benefits for the Earlham community, this new development will encourage connections between the College and our neighbors in Richmond and Wayne County in a way that wasn’t available before.”
One to two additional retail businesses to locate in the development’s interior spaces. Official announcements of tenants are expected to begin later this year.
Del DeMao and Dan Stamper are the co-owners of StampD Development and are the developers of the project. DeMao is also the owner of DeMao Retail, who is leasing the building. Stamper, the owner of Thor Construction and Carroll Electric, is the project builder.
“Earlham Commons represents a unique opportunity for the west side of Richmond and communities to the west that are seeking new development,” DeMao said. “In fact, there hasn’t been a new multiple-tenant restaurant and retail center built on the west side for multiple decades.
“We’re delighted to be working with Earlham College on this project and be a catalyst to grow the local food and dining scene,” he said.
Earlham Commons is one of many projects planned for the next five years to elevate the student experience and refresh Earlham-owned property along College Avenue and across campus. Work was recently completed to renovate residence halls on campus. The renovation or replacement of several student houses on the western side of College Avenue is also a priority in future years.
“After so many years of planning, we are thrilled to see our vision for a shopping center on College-owned land come to life,” said Stacy Lutz Davidson, senior vice president of finance and administration. “Our fellow collaborators and future neighbors share our vision for elevating the student experience and encouraging new growth and development on Richmond’s west side. We can’t wait to open.”
About StampD Development
StampD Development provides clients with a full range of development services that focus on multi-tenant retail centers, build-to-suit single tenant buildings and ground-level retail within mixed-use developments. The company has established a high-quality retail portfolio through ground-up development, value-add acquisitions and asset management-based partnership interests.
About Thor Construction
Thor Construction Company is one of the largest commercial and industrial construction companies in Eastern Indiana. The company has an extensive resume of successful projects including banks, schools, universities, municipal buildings, churches, manufacturing facilities, hotels and health care facilities throughout Eastern Indiana and Western Ohio.
About DeMao Retail
DeMao Retail represents national brand, regional retail franchise, or local retailers seeking commercial retail and restaurant space. Our team of tenant specialists will implement a multi-faceted approach, providing detailed trade area analysis with precise demographic data and negotiate the most attractive business terms based on our clients’ goals.
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