For Sale · Ideal for Owner-Occupant with Opportunity to Scale
221 East Clay Street Richmond Virginia 23219
This renovated 4,090 SF mixed-use property offers a compelling blend of historic character, flexibility, and investment potential.—directly across from the Convention Center.
Currently operated as a duplex, the building could be reconfigured to function as a triplex or quadplex, including the potential for two separate commercial suites on the ground floor and two residential units on the second floor. Benefiting from extensive street frontage along both
E. Clay Street and N. 3rd Street, the property enjoys exceptional visibility and accessibility. A standout corner storefront anchors the building and presents an outstanding opportunity for retail, restaurant, office, gallery, or other creative commercial uses in one of Richmond’s most active and rapidly evolving urban districts.
The property’s second-floor residential unit currently operates as a high-performing Airbnb, with all personal property in that unit conveying with the sale, providing immediate income potential for a new owner. Ideal for an owner-user seeking rental income to offset occupancy costs or an investor looking to maximize returns through a more optimized unit mix, the property offers multiple avenues for value creation. Additional upside exists through the potential development of a small courtyard, creating a unique destination atmosphere or creative enclave that complements the building’s historic charm and prominent location. Further enhancing the investment appeal, the property is situated within an Enterprise Zone, CARE District, and Opportunity Zone, providing access to a variety of potential economic development incentives and tax advantages. Well maintained and thoughtfully renovated, 221 E Clay Street represents a rare opportunity to acquire a flexible mixed-use asset in one of Richmond’s most sought-after neighborhoods.
ABOUT JACKSON WARD
Known historically as the “Harlem of the South” and “Black Wall Street,” Jackson Ward has seen a powerful resurgence, with Black-owned businesses and local entrepreneurs investing back into the community. From restaurants and cafes to shops and services, the neighborhood is full of opportunities to support local businesses while enjoying its unique culture and flavor. Apartments in Jackson Ward place you right in the center of this thriving community, offering walkable access to dining, shopping, and the broader downtown Richmond area.
Beyond its local businesses, Jackson Ward is rich in history and culture, home to landmarks like the Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia and the Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site. With parks, public art, and cultural events throughout the neighborhood, Jackson Ward is a dynamic destination to live, explore, and connect with Richmond’s vibrant past and present.
Ann Schweitzer Riley has become a distinguished figure in commercial real estate, focusing primarily on sales of urban commercial properties, including office spaces, retail locations, multi-family buildings, industrial facilities, and mixed-use developments. With a rich background that spans over a decade, Ann has developed a keen expertise in property sales, investment, and development.
A graduate of UVA, Ann’s journey in real estate began as a residential real estate appraiser in Charlottesville, VA. Her career path led her to roles as a legal assistant and later to Richmond in 2008, where she worked with an affordable housing nonprofit. There, she gained a passion for construction and real estate development. This foundation allowed her to excel as a real estate construction project manager and later as a corporate commercial sales agent.
Today, at One South Commercial, Ann is renowned for her sharp insights in market trends, her strategic approach to property disposition, and her ability to optimize asset value for her clients. Her comprehensive understanding of both residential and commercial real estate markets, combined with her specific expertise in commercial sales, makes her an invaluable partner to property owners and buyers alike.
Ann’s commitment to her clients and her profound market knowledge ensure tailored, effective strategies for those looking to invest in or divest commercial real estate assets.
Chris is a Richmond native and industry veteran with extensive experience in real estate investment and development. For 13 years he served as Principal and in-house Broker with Riverstone Properties, managing and growing a diverse portfolio for one of Virginia’s prominent families. This provided the opportunity to work in all sectors of commercial real estate.
Prior to joining Riverstone, Chris served as a Vice President and Project Manager with East West Partners of Virginia for 10 years. He holds an MBA with a concentration in Real Estate Development from VCU and an undergraduate degree from East Carolina University.
In 2024, Chris started his consulting company, Double C Real Estate, and joined One South Commercial as an Associate Broker to draw on his experience and help families, businesses and investors evaluate, optimize and grow their commercial real estate holdings.
DISCLAIMER: This offering memorandum is intended as a reference for prospective purchasers in the evaluation of the property and its suitability for investment. Neither One South Commercial nor Seller make any representations or warranties with respect to the accuracy or completeness of the materials contained in the offering memorandum. Prospective purchasers should evaluate the property independently and rely solely on such independent evaluation in determining whether to purchase the property. The offering memorandum, pricing, and terms therein are subject to change or withdrawal at the discretion of Seller and One South Commercial, as Seller’s exclusive representative. *Information provided deemed reliable but not guaranteed