While Rocketts Landing is still the newest up-and-coming development to hit Richmond, it will soon be the premier retail and dining destination for the city upon its completion. 

Until then, the riverfront residents of Rocketts Landing turn to Gabe Corbett, a realtor for Keller Williams, who has called Richmond home since his VCU days. As the social director for the Rocketts Landing residents, Corbett has brought an array of people under one roof for a multitude of social events -- making Rocketts Landing a premier destination to call home as well.

What attracted you to Rocketts Landing? 

Location, location, location -- I can’t think of another place close to the city that has riverfront access this affordable. And it was a chance to get in early of what I see as great and developing opportunity.

What do you like most about where you live?

The condo I bought last year is larger than my last one. I started working from home a fair amount, and I needed a separation between my living and working spaces. I fell in love with it when I saw the layout on a piece of paper. My last place had one closet; this place has five, plus a separate storage room. I’m really impressed with the design of the buildings here.

Describe the social aspects of Rocketts Landing.

The diversity of the people living here is refreshing, especially when the different interests of the people come together and we get the opportunity to learn new things. I think all of our worlds are a little bigger because of it. We have a number of socials here and I have some other ideas as well that I’d like to try that involve getting people together, such as cooking classes. Even with so many different backgrounds of folks living here, there’s a shared vision of what this place will become in the near future.

When residents of Rocketts Landing speak of the emerging social life of the community, they mention Gabe Corbett. What would you say a new neighbor has to look forward to?  

People that move in can get all the interaction they desire. For example, pool parties, downtown events, various socials and spur of the moment get-togethers when a few people decide to bring some appetizers and libations to the terraces. There always seems to be a group somewhere enjoying other people’s company. Some people throw private parties to have a few folks over for dinners, appetizers, martinis, etc.

What (or what will) sets Rocketts Landing apart from the other established mini-communities in Richmond? 

Most people I talk to expect to meet like-minded people here and generally want to connect at some level. Some people want more interactivity than others, but everyone seems to get along well, and there’s always the choice to do your own thing or find some folks that want to get together. There’s plenty of space. To set it apart, first and foremost, would be the riverfront access and trails right along with retail shops and restaurants that you don’t need a car to get to.

Where would you like to see Rocketts Landing in five to 10 years?

I would love for it to be one of the premium places to live, work and play. New Urbanism is taking off all over, and it’s fun to watch Richmond evolve. I could eventually have office space at Rocketts separate from my home address, and I could walk to it! The commute to the Keller Williams office in the west end is 15 to 20 minutes, which is not bad, but I’m getting spoiled working from home as much as I do. We’re looking forward to the community center too, which is planned for next spring.

You work as a realtor selling properties in Richmond. How would you pitch a condo in Rocketts Landing? 

The floor plans to choose from are as various as the home choices we have in Richmond. With four buildings on site, there are quite a variety of floor plans and price ranges to suit the individual’s need. Everyone I’ve spoken with here seems to have the general idea that simpler is better. No yard work or maintenance equals more free time to pursue interests. I love being eight minutes from the airport, the idea of having a boat next year when the marina opens, and the fact that we have garden space available to us here now.

Any particular part of the city you prefer to sell properties? 

I love selling all over Richmond; but I tend to spend most of my time downtown and in the fan area, where I’ve had three home addresses since 1988. I love the historic feel of the Fan and Church Hill, and I like to keep up with the newest developments.

What is your favorite part of Richmond?

The energy of the city … I’m never happier than when I’m in motion, so I bike a variety of loops through the city. Living this close to the city gives me a lot more options for a healthy balance of work and play, and my quality of life has improved from simplifying my day.

Where does your tie to Richmond hail from? 

I came to Richmond in 1988 to go to VCU, and other than a few years in the Midwest, I’ve always called Richmond home.

What is your favorite event in Richmond? 

The Monument Avenue 10k -- it’s a way to give back to a great cause, and a reason to push myself on my workouts leading up to it. With the number of tempting restaurants downtown, I need the balance.

How would you plan a weekend for guests visiting the city?   

A historical tour through downtown, a ride around Belle Isle and The James River trails followed by dinner at an old tobacco building and a stroll through Carytown with it’s evening venues.

What is your favorite memory from being a student at VCU?

Swimming with my friends in the James and hanging out on Belle Isle; we’d walk there from our dorms with lunch. Richmond really is a fun town and it’s a great place to go to college, especially if you’re from a small town like I was.

How do you spend your time off from work?

I bike a ton, but also enjoy reading, writing, cooking, running, movies and now more swimming. Once the capital trail is in, I’ll get back to rollerblading. I’ve also enjoyed learning how to put on fun socials for the residents here as well.

Where do you go to get away from the city?

Day trips to Charlottesville, Williamsburg and Virginia Beach are pretty easy to do. I recently biked from Mount Vernon to D.C. and back along the trail that runs along the Potomac River. It’s great to be two hours or less from some fun places.

I hear you started a book club for Rocketts Landing. What book are you guys discussing at the moment?

"The World is Flat" by Thomas Friedman. Right now it’s being hosted by some good friends of mine upstairs. I need to hurry up and finish the book!

What would you recommend to someone as "worth checking out?"

Tredegar Iron Works is a great place; you can be in there for hours just watching films and learning more about the Civil War and how Richmond was affected.

What's your biggest criticism of Richmond?

Either my expectations were a bit advanced or the city is a bit behind schedule; but I’m hoping whatever is slowing down the coming of The Capital Trail between Rocketts Landing and the Browns Island area will work out soon. A lot of residents at Rocketts Landing feel the same way; we’d like to be able to walk or bike the mile to downtown leisurely instead of along Main Steet with traffic. I know its coming; it’s just a matter of time. D.C., for example, has a great network of trails such as the Washington and Old Dominion that go all over the metro area; we need at least one!

Richmond is __________________.

On the upswing with a downtown revitalization. A lot of people are taking more of an interest in the city and want the lifestyle boost that comes from living closer to where they work.

What's next for Gabe Corbett? 

I'd like to think of myself as a lifetime learner; there's always a new and exciting thing to pursue. I'm growing my real estate business as well as working on some online classes in the evenings a couple of days a week, and also volunteering. I used to race BMX back in the 80’s, and now I volunteer with some kids down at the track near Rocketts Landing to help them with the basics. I figure have more time now to juggle these pursuits than I will when I’m a family man.