Williamsburg to Gain New Retail Developments
 

WILLIAMSBURG, VA:  A new, 342,800 square foot regional power center is being developed in the western Williamsburg area to serve the rapidly growing, upscale residential communities of Fords Colony, Skimino Estates, and Newtown Estates.

 The Shoppes at Williamsburg West will be one of the first retail developments in this high-growth neighborhood. 

Route 199 was completed in 2000 to link I-64 at the north end of Williamsburg to the city center, at Route 5 and Monticello Avenue.   This new beltway, which cuts a significant amount of travel time, was planned to enhance development in the western part of the city.

 "This area is becoming popular because of the larger tracks of undeveloped land that are available, and its central location and easy access to both Richmond and Hampton Roads," according to Rob Hicks, vice president of retail in Divaris Real Estate's Virginia Beach office.    The site is an easy 50-minute commute to Richmond, and only 45 minutes from Virginia Beach. 

Located on Route 199 and International Drive, it is situated only one-quarter mile from I-64 in Williamsburg. The proposed new Williamsburg Community Hospital Regional Complex is being developed across the street from the center.

Within a mile from the Williamsburg Pottery Factory and Prime Outlets at Williamsburg Center, The Shoppes at Williamsburg West are adjacent to an existing Lowe's Home Improvement Store and a new Wal-Mart Supercenter that is expected to open in the spring of 2002. 

The outlet stores, located within a mile from Williamsburg West, are enough to make a serious shopper salivate.  They include  Nautica, Dansk, J Crew, Hugo Boss, Bombay Company, Polo and The Limited. 
The upscale shopping in the outlet malls have made Williamsburg a destination for many Hampton Roads shoppers.   The Shoppes at Williamsburg West will add a new dimension in upscale shopping to the neighborhood.   According to Hicks, it could bring anything from grocery anchors, to wholesale clubs. 

"The Interstate and highway access lends itself to a larger regional draw, such as a cinema or destination retail anchor," Hicks says.

Plans call for three anchor tenants of various sizes, two areas of in-line space, and four outparcels.    The development fronts onto Mooretown Road at the intersection of East Rochambeau Drive.  A second phase could accommodate an additional 153,000 square feet with two anchors, and three outparcels.

Rob Hicks and Missy Martinovich of DRE's Peninsula office, are handling the leasing of The Shoppes at Williamsburg West.   Armada/Hoffler Development Co. is the developer of the project, which is being designed by LandMark Design Group.

Williamsburg is one of the most affluent communities in Hampton Roads.  According to the US Department of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis, the average household income in James City County/Williamsburg is $81,167.  The total population within a ten-mile radius of the property is 73,686.

"A younger population is finding Williamsburg a perfect place to raise a family because of the new growth and the excellent school systems.  It is no longer just a great place to retire," Hicks said.

Colonial Williamsburg was named best historic site by Southern Living's Readers Choice Awards 2000.   Williamsburg's many area attractions like Busch Gardens, Waterworld and its proximity to the Virginia Beach oceanfront are all big draws for family vacationers.