January 28, 2026

Vintage And Home Décor Boutique Brass Monkey RVA Plans Opening At Gayton Crossing In Richmond’s West End This Summer

RICHMOND, VA (January 28, 2026) – Vintage and home décor boutique Brass Monkey RVA is planning to open within Gayton Crossing, a 160,000 square foot shopping center located at 9782 Gayton Road in Richmond’s West End area, this summer. Owner Marni Rosen, an interior designer professional who started the business in her home two years ago, signed a lease with Continental Realty Corporation (CRC) at Gayton Crossing. CRC, a Baltimore-based real estate investment and management company, acquired the asset in 2024, marking the company’s entry into the Richmond-area retail market. Kristin Perry, Senior Leasing Manager, Retail Leasing for CRC, together with Thalhimer’s Nicki Jassy, Annie O’Connor, Alicia Brown represented the landlord.

“Brass Monkey RVA will bring a curated selection of vintage finds, home décor, and unique gifts to Gayton Crossing, adding a distinctive local shopping destination for the West End community,” said Kristina O’Keefe, Senior Vice President, Retail Operations for CRC. “This specialty retailer complements the center’s mix and reinforces CRC’s commitment to investing in vibrant neighborhood centers and supporting local entrepreneurs, momentum that will help fuel our continued growth in the Richmond-area retail market.”

Brass Monkey will offer a diverse selection of items and artifacts including artwork, vases, figurines, plates, and brass items suitable for display in homes and businesses. Rosen, who collects these pieces at estate sales and via on-line marketplace sources, explains that the store “will not carry large pieces or furniture but, rather, will focus on smaller ‘conversation-starter’ items. Her experience as a professional interior designer has provided her with “a sharp eye to recognize items which will light up a room,” she added.

“Changes in my personal life triggered my decision to exit the 9-5 corporate world and start a home-based business where I could focus on my passion,” Rosen said. “My business quickly outgrew my house, and I could immediately see that there was a tremendous audience for the home décor items, with audiences ranging throughout the demographic spectrum. Young people were anxious to find items to populate their new homes and consumers in their 50s and 60s were always finding something different to use as a room accent. I was attracted to Gayton Crossing because it offers a unique vibe that draws consumers in and encourages extended shopping experiences where people tend to linger. The new owners did a remarkable job with the renovations.”

More than 100,000 people reside within a five-mile radius of Gayton Crossing, including more than 75,000 households with an average household income exceeding $135,000. In addition, the daytime population within this same radius is nearly 235,000.

The median home value in Richmond’s West End is $520,000, and the existing residential pipeline is expected to add more than 1,500 homes within a five-mile radius of Gayton Crossing. Household incomes are projected to increase by more than 11 percent within a three-mile radius over the next five years.

Founded in 1960, Continental Realty Corporation is a vertically integrated, privately held commercial real estate and investment company specializing in the acquisition and operation of retail and multifamily properties. CRC owns and manages a diversified, national portfolio of more than eight million square feet of retail space and over 10,000 apartment homes across 15 states, with a total value of more than $4.2 billion. Guided by a commitment to excellence and long-term value creation, CRC combines market insight, disciplined investment strategies, and a people-first approach to deliver exceptional results for investors, residents, and communities.

For additional information, visit www.crcrealty.com.