Speculation is running rampant that Manchester just might be about to get a grocery store. With the recent acquisition of a 12.8 acre parcel located at 1802 Semmes Ave for $3.7 Million by Harper Associates, there is good reason to be excited.

According to a November 23rd article entitled 12-acre sale could signal more retail in Manchester by Richmond BizSense, the new owner has experience with retail development, including grocery stores:

“Formed in the ’90s, Harper Associates has experience in retail-centric real estate. Its other developments include the Lowe’s and Kroger shopping center at West Broad and Lombardy streets, and the Walmart and Lowe’s-anchored development at Forest Hill Avenue and Chippenham Parkway. It currently manages both properties.”

If a grocery store is built in Manchester, it would go a long way to transforming an area which is often labeled a food desert. It is for this reason that Tricycle Gardens set up its Urban Farm in Manchester in order to try to help address the scarcity of locally grown healthy food in the neighborhood.

Let’s hope Harper Associates quenches Manchester’s thirst for some healthy food options.