Henrico County is acquiring two vacant properties on Williamsburg Road to position them for redevelopment to create a modern gateway to Richmond International Airport.

Officials announced Tuesday the purchases of the Bowl America and All Day Inn properties as part of an enhanced countywide reinvestment initiative called “Rebuild Henrico.” It is designed to build on the county’s longstanding reinvestment efforts, which include using bond referendums to renovate or rebuild schools, fire stations and other public facilities as well as supporting private initiatives, such as the redevelopment of the Glenwood Farms apartment community as well as the Virginia Center Commons and Regency Square shopping malls.

“These strategically located sites will be cleared and marketed as prime redevelopment opportunities,” Varina District Supervisor Tyrone E. Nelson said outside the Bowl America, which is now surrounded by security fencing. “With this jumpstart, we hope that other property owners and investors will see similar opportunities up and down this corridor.”

Dr. Perry Miller, president and CEO of Richmond International Airport, welcomed the announcement and said he has worked closely with the county for several years to “create a true sense of place as people enter this community.”

“We are transforming the airport to be a true international airport that is the gateway, not only to this community but also a gateway for the Richmond region, to reach the world,” he said.

The Henrico Economic Development Authority bought the All Day Inn, at 5500 Williamsburg Road, in May for $3 million. It expects to close on the Bowl America, at 5018 Williamsburg Road, by next week for $2.9 million.