The Old and New of Scott’s Addition
Every city has a history. Each neighborhood has an origin story and goes through phases of growth and stagnation. Richmond is one of the oldest cities in America and naturally has many interesting twists and turns to bring us to the present day.
Scott's Addition is a neighborhood that is enjoying a revival of its own. Scott's Addition was originally a plantation that was gifted to General Winfield Scott, whom the neighborhood is named after. General Scott had a distinguished 53-year military career that spanned the War of 1812 up to the start of the Civil War. He inherited the estate in 1818 and it stayed in the Scott family until the late 1800s.
Scott's Addition is in a fantastic location, easily accessible to all the major highways of 64, 95, and 195. It is also right off Broad Street and the bus line. Scott's Addition is also very close to the train tracks that transported goods and people across the country. This location led to its development in the early 1900s, with many businesses wanting to be close to the transportation and shipping the rail line provided. Scott's Addition was originally intended for a residential area, but the 1927 Zoning Ordinance allowed the area to become more industrialized.
A Blend of Residential and Industrial
This blend of residential and industrial makes Scott's Addition very unique and gives it a lot of character. This area enjoys several examples of architectural styles, including Art Deco, Colonial Revival, and Classical Revival. There are also many warehouses that have been re-purposed for many recreational, business, and residential uses.
So what makes Scott's Addition so hot right now? There is so much to do! And they also have some very attractive modern apartments and updated homes to explore!
Circuit Arcade Bar
This popular place is the first barcade in Richmond. Circuit boasts over 70 arcade games, skeeball lanes, and pinball machines for you to check out. They also have a rotating 50+ taps of beer to explore, with both national and local varieties.
Tang and Biscuit
Richmond's first Shuffleboard Social club has been a huge hit in the city. Tang and Biscuit received inspiration for its name from the shuffleboard jargon of the paddle-like stick (Tang) and the puck (biscuit).
This family-friendly place is intended for all ages, boasting 10 regulation shuffleboard courts and many fun alternatives, from ping pong, Jenga, and corn hole. They provide free board games to try out and have fun biscuit-themed menu items and tang-inspired beverages.
(It’s been a while since we last went to Tang and Biscuit, but it is super fun! Just look at Harper’s face below.)
River City Roll
Richmond's first boutique bowling alley recently opened in Scott's Addition. This upscale bowling alley has 20 lanes, live music, and a massive covered patio. Boutique bowling is a classy way of making bowling fancier. They have leather sofas instead of the chairs you expect in an alley. You order your shoes and they deliver them to you in a copper basket at your lane. People are enjoying this new spin on bowling and it is worth checking out.
X-team Fitness
This gym is a popular spot for working Richmonders that want to stay in shape. This unique gym offers a 6 week trial period with classes not only hosted at its gym location but also at parks around the city at 6 am and 6 pm. Each class is overseen by at least one personal trainer and is focused on collaborative teamwork.
Topgolf
And you can’t miss Topgolf which features fun golf games for all skill levels. They also have a full-service bar and restaurant to enjoy food and beverages while you play. Plus, if you go on Tuesdays they offer half-price games!
Time to explore
Are you sensing a theme? Scott's Addition is proud to host a series of firsts in Richmond and is open to trying out new things and business ideas. It is great to see this historic neighborhood get some much-deserved buzz and excitement.
