When it comes to the City of Richmond, Tim Davey knows it best. As the Director of Business Development and founder of the Urban Practice at Timmons Group, Tim can often be found around town at the City’s newest and most high-profile projects. Tim has been a vital part of the central Virginia real estate community for over two decades. He has played a key role in bringing numerous companies to the region including the Stone Brewing, Redskins, Amazon, Rolls-Royce, Lumber Liquidators, and the Vitamin Shoppe. We recently caught up with Tim at Stone Brewing’s East Coast Facility to learn more about him, his projects, and what’s next for Stone Brewing’s World Bistro and Gardens.
When did you first start at Timmons Group?
I’ve been with Timmons Group since January of 1988. I started in our Residential group doing subdivision development. At that time, we were just finishing up the Brandermill development over in Midlothian.
How have your roles changed over the years?
After leaving our Residential group, I worked in our Water/Wastewater and Stormwater groups before becoming the head of our Environmental group. In 2003, we opened our Downtown Richmond office and I helped create our Urban Practice. After that point, Economic Development and Business Development started filling my days and I currently serve as Director of Business Development.
You do a lot of business development / economic development work in the City of Richmond and surrounding area. What are some of the more high-profile projects you’ve been involved in?
Well, of course there’s Stone Brewing! I’ve been involved in that project since the beginning. Some other large projects in the City have been the Redskins Training Camp and Dominion Corporate Headquarters.I also remember the earliest phases of Rocketts Landing and the Broad Street Community Development Authority projects that helped launch our Urban Practice.
What’s one project you’ve worked on that you believe has had a significant positive impact in the City of Richmond?
Regionally, I think that Amazon’s Fulfillment Centers in Chesterfield and Dinwiddie counties have had a huge impact in putting the Richmond region on the map in terms of being a logistics hub.
Locally, I think that Stone Brewing coming to Richmond has really put the city on the map in the food & beverage industry. Logistically, our location on the East Coast enables us to distribute to places like New York City, Miami, and even Europe.
How do you think the City will change in the next 5-10 years?
I think the population growth will make Richmond grow taller, and with density comes better amenities like parks, trails, restaurants, entertainment venues, etc. These amenities attract smart, talented people, and major corporations are noticing this and are coming to Richmond because we have great talent in our workforce.
Everyone’s excited about the Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens. What can you tell us about that project?
Construction on the World Bistro & Gardens is expected to begin in 2019! Located on the riverfront, the World Bistro will be easily accessible from the Capital Trail and the new GRTC Pulse stops. There will also be a beer trail that connects the Bistro to Stone’s tasting room facility. The whole design is meant to encourage walkability and access to the outdoors. Since the beginning, Stone’s mission has been to use as many reclaimed materials as possible. Everything from the outdoor furniture to the bridge connecting to the parking lot has been reclaimed!
What are your hobbies outside of work? I know you recently completed a marathon.
Well, I love traveling. My wife and I have a family full of travelers! I also love running and recently completed my eighth marathon. My kids and I have several hobbies we like to do together including golfing, fishing, hiking, and we are just starting to learn whether or not we will enjoy duck hunting.
You and your family travel a lot together. Where are your favorite places to visit?
*Laughing* We like going anywhere! One of the most amazing trips we’ve ever gone on was to the Galapagos Islands. You can see things there that you can’t see anywhere else! We’ve also been to Africa 4 times where we climbed Mount Kilimanjaro and took a hot air balloon ride over the Serengeti at sunrise.
When you’re not traveling the world, what are your favorite things to do in Richmond?
Richmond is great for a stay-cation! I spend a lot of time on the Capital Trail and on our local golf courses. My family and I also like to kayak on the James River up to the Bosher Dam. Timmons Group was actually involved with the installation of a fish ladder aside the dam that allows Shad and other fish to make their migratory spawns in the James. Richmond’s location also allows for great weekend trips because of its quick access to both the mountains and the Eastern Shore!
