FARMVILLE – A real estate development team has contracted with Citizens Bank and Trust to purchase the former First Virginia Bank building at 200 North Main Street.

The team intends to develop the 16,635 square foot building as commercial and residential space, according to a press release, and is seeking a restaurant as a cornerstone tenant for what is described as “the prime street-side location” at the intersection of Third and Main, the center of downtown.

The development team is well-acquainted with the community.

“Various members of our team are involved in other projects in Farmville, including the Lofts At Worsham School and the rehabilitation of the Hotel Weyanoke,” Ross Fickenscher told The Herald in an exchange of emails regarding the proposed project.

“Having already made significant investments in the area, we remain optimistic about beautiful downtown Farmville and the greater Prince Edward County area. We feel privileged to have this opportunity to invest once again,” he enthused.

Fickenscher said the team's vision for the former bank building is to provide a mixed-use development that includes “an upscale restaurant or retail venue, a high-quality office setting, and a unique residential offering in the form of luxury apartments.”

Tenants for each of the project's three dimensions are being sought.

Interested parties are advised by the development team to contact local realtor Ron Sandlin, broker/owner of RE-MAX Advantage Plus.

Sandlin noted the team's experience and relationship with the community and believes it will be a definite plus.

“The principals are the same ones that own The Lofts At Worsham School…and two of the them are also partners in the Hotel Weyanoke project that was just purchased in January,” he told The Herald. “I am hoping that with their expertise in building renovations and fresh ideas for apartment living, this will be a welcome project for the Town of Farmville and Prince Edward County.”