Article by @charlottewords

With construction still underway, Dairy Central’s Dairy Market could be open to the public by Labor Day.

“We’re not trying to open too soon; that’s our tentative opening target right now,” said Chris Henry, president of Stony Point Design/Build, on the Sept. 4 target.

The mixed-use project redevelops and repurposes what was formerly Monticello Dairy at the confluence of 10th Street Northwest and Preston and Grady avenues.

As the open target approaches, Dairy Market is finalizing details of more vendor space. Newly announced merchants include Dino’s Pizza and Chicken, but with the global pandemic, Henry noted a slowdown with other businesses.

“With everything going on, everyone is taking a step back to see what happens,” Henry said. “We hope to announce a local ice cream vendor and a Peruvian street food concept in the next month or so.”

The potential September opening is just one part of the overall mixed-use development under the umbrella of Dairy Central. In the summer of 2021, 180 apartments are slated to open, and 50,000 square feet of office space will connect to the Market. Some signed tenants will include CoStar and Dexcom, while Henry says that a law firm and a University of Virginia-related group could be announced in the future.

There also will be flexible event space to accommodate weddings, special events and corporate gatherings of up to 300 people. Dubbed “The Brick Cellar,” the space is named for the bricks salvaged from the former dairy.

In the meantime, Henry said his team is exploring ways to safely use its public plaza in the summer months.

“We are exploring what we can do over the summer months outside to promote the project and keep people healthy and safe to get out of the house,” Henry said. “We have plenty of room to keep social distancing in mind and help people have a good time.”

Ideas include drive-in movie viewings, group yoga and an outdoor bar.

“In the parking lot we can do outdoor festivals. Starr Hill brewery coming in would love to do outdoor beer related events on site,” Henry said.

Address: 946 Grady Ave.
Amenities: Outdoor plaza space, food and beverage, event space

Image Credit: Mike Kropf / Charlottesville Tomorrow