Williamsburg Hampton Roads Real Estate Blog Real Estate information for Williamsburg VA

www.MrVaBeach.com/ website

Williamsburg VA. Real Estate Resource. Search for Homes & Land in Williamsburg Virginia & surrounding areas click here :CLICK HERE WILLIAMSBURG VA MLS HOME SEARCH

CLICK HERE FOR Real Estate Home Search Tidewater Hampton Roads Va including Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Isle of Wight, Newport News, Hampton, Portsmouth, Poquoson, York, Gloucester, Yorktown, Smithfield and surrounding areas of Virginia

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

View live traffic camers in Hampton Roads Virginia Before you buy a home

Want to know what the traffic is like on the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel ?
Were you thinking of commuting from Va Beach to Hampton everyday ?
Or Suffolk to Virginia Beach
Check out these live traffic cameras for areas around Hampton Roads Virginia

For additional Information about any development in the Williamsburg/ James City County, New Kent, Gloucester, or York County area please contact: John Womeldorf
Liz Moore & Associates
757 254 8136 phone
John@MrWilliamsburg.com email
www.MrWilliamsburg.com/ website
www.MrHamptonroads.com/ website
www.MrTidewater.com/ website
www.MrVaBeach.com/ website

Williamsburg Real Estate Resource. Search for Homes & Land in Williamsburg Virginia & surrounding areas click here :CLICK HERE WILLIAMSBURG VA MLS HOME SEARCH

CLICK HERE FOR Real Estate Home Search Tidewater Hampton Roads Va including Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Isle of Wight, Newport News, Hampton, Portsmouth, Poquoson, York, Gloucester, Yorktown, Smithfield and surrounding areas.

Saturday, March 22, 2008

Mr Williamsburg Real Estate Update Weatherly at White Hall

Here is a site plan of the White Hall community.

Weatherly at White Hall

Coming in 2008. New Condominiums in Williamsburg/ James City County. Ideally located near interstate 64 in the Andersons Corner area. Priced from the $180's. This beautiful new ciommunity will offer lots of open space, recreation areas. It is part of White Hall a new planned community in the western part of James City County. The community will have a pool, tennis and clubhouse. Built in a townhouse style. Special incentives are available to the first few buyers. The builder is offering $5000 towards closing costs

For additional Information about this development or any other in the WIlliamsburg/ James City County, New Kent, Gloucester, or York COunty area please contact: John Womeldorf

Liz Moore & Associates

757 254 8136 phone

John@MrWilliamsburg.com email

www.MrTidewater.com/ website

www.MrVaBeach.com/ website

Williamsburg Real Estate Resource. Search for Homes & Land in Williamsburg Virginia & surrounding areas click here :CLICK HERE WILLIAMSBURG VA MLS HOME SEARCH

Friday, March 21, 2008

Parade of Homes 2008 York County Virginia PHBA Taylor Farms

Taylor Farms in York County is the site for this year's Peninsula Housing & Builders Association's 25th Parade of Homes, which will be held May 3-18, 2008. This event showcases the latest trends and innovations in home construction and design, as well as landscaping, decorating and more!
Show hours are: Monday-Friday 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. Weekends 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Tickets are $10.00 at the gate children 12 and under Free. Free on-site parking.

Directions: From Interstate 64, take Victory Blvd. east to the 6th traffic light - Yorktown Road.Turn left and Taylor Farms will be 1/4 mile ahead on the right.

Featured Builders will include:

Allen Parker Builder, Poquoson, VA (757) 846-6205

Edgerton Contracting, IncYorktown, VA (757) 898-9577 http://www.edgertoncontracting.com/

J. Lloyd Builder, Inc Williamsburg, VA (757) 220-6810M

Marque Homes by C.R. McLellon, Builder, Inc Poquoson, VA
(757) 868 9707 http://www.marquehomescrmclellon.com/

Pritchard & Company Builders, Inc Yorktown, VA (757) 898-7950

Crestmark Custom Builders, Inc Newport News, VA (757) 873-6828

Garnett Construction, Inc Yorktown, VA (757) 870-4668 http://www.garnettconstructionllc.com/

J.W. Wallace Construction, Inc Poquoson, VA (757) 868-4562

Performance Contracting Yorktown, VA (757) 988-3900

Realty Builders, Inc Newport News, VA (757) 874-7484

Thursday, March 20, 2008

Marywood Community Williamsburg/ James City County Virginia

Introductory prices through March 31, 2008 start at $305,000 with $10,000 in closing cost allowances. Plus an additional $2500 "Hometown Hero" allowance if you are a teacher, fireman, policeman, nurse or active/ retire military.

Coming Fall 2008. Contracts being written now. A new development located off of Jamestown Rd near the established Kingswood subdivision. There will be a total 90 homes most on lots of almost a half acre in size. Quite a few of the lots will back up to wooded green space. The community will have almost 70 acres of green space. A playground and picnic pavilion will be located centrally for use by residents.

All homes will be two story ranging in size from 2150 square feet to 3500 + square feet. 3,4 and 5 bedroom plans are available. The homes are loaded with features such as 9 foot ceilings, hardwood floors in the foyer, six panel colonial interior doors, pre wired for security systems, pull down stairs for attic storage, Brushed nickel lighting and door hardware package, Birch cabinets in kitchen, square edged laminate counter tops, range, vent hood, dishwasher.

The exterior of the home is almost maintenance free with vinyl siding, vinyl thermopane windows, aluminum wrapped cornice trip, ventilated vinyl soffits. The homes will offer a completely sodded yard. as well as a tree and shrub landscape package.

All of the homes come with a 2 year fit and finish warranty and a 10 year limited structural warranty.

Call or email for further information

John Womeldorf/ Mr Williamsburg/ Liz Moore & Associates

757 254 8136

John@MrWilliamsburg.com email

www.MrVaBeach.com/ website

Williamsburg Real Estate Resource. Search for Homes & Land in Williamsburg Virginia & surrounding areas click here :CLICK HERE WILLIAMSBURG VA MLS HOME SEARCH

Monday, March 10, 2008

Mr Williamsburg Real Estate Update High Street

Photos from January 2008

Movie Tavern, an eight-screen, dine-in cinema that is the centerpiece of High Street's retail component, should open for business around Sept. 1, 2008"

We're right on schedule," said Dan Aston, of Roseland Property Co., the developer of High Street. "KBS (the construction company) is doing a great job." Anyone who's driven down Richmond Road or Ironbound Road or Treyburn Drive recently could tell you, High Street is coming along. The drone of hammers and construction equipment is constant during the daylight hours, and buildings are quickly filling the landscape.
No news yet of the other retail tenants. We should know by Spring"When complete High Street will include 260,000 square feet of retail space. It will have a $4 million hidden parking deck for which the city of Williamsburg is footing the bill. Sterling Manor Apartments can already be seen rising on the Ironbound Road side of the development. Aston said Friday that infrastructure is being put in place starting at that end of the development. The King's Manor Condominiums, at the New Hope Road end of the project, will be the last to go in. When completed it will feature 241 condos in two four-story buildings, constructed over subsurface parking garages. The 191-unit apartment complex will begin leasing this summer, Aston said. Three units of The Townhomes at Treyburn are under construction. Eventually that segment will have 99 townhomes of between 1,850-2,500 square feet. Priced from $450,000 to $596,000 they offer Classics design, quality construction and timeless elegance. Hardwood Floors, 10 Ft Ceilings, Stainless Appliances, Granite Counters, Luxurious baths and even optional elevators. They offer private back yards and a wide variety of upgrades.In addition, crews will soon be ready to begin work on the three new public streets that are part of the High Street project. Middle Street will bisect High Street, running from Ironbound Road to New Hope Road. Sterling Manor Drive will serve the apartment building, intersecting Treyburn near Ironbound. King Manor Drive, which will lead to the condominium building, will intersect Treyburn closer to New Hope Road.

There will be approximately 250,000 Square feet of commercial space 532 total residential units including 191 luxury apartments; 99 townhomes; 241 condominiums
High Street was designed as a mixed-use development offering retail space, office space and residential living. Beautiful streetscapes and traditional architectural style unify the neighborhoods of homes, storefronts, and a central plaza with outdoor dining terrace. The village is anchored by an 8-Screen Movie Tavern, showing first-run movies and offering an upscale bar and full table service.
High Street will offer three residential housing options:
luxury apartment homes, townhomes and a mid-rise condominium. All have been carefully
integrated into a unified, pedestrian friendly master plan.
Sterling Manor Apartments Feature:
 Designed to look and feel like historic townhomes.
 Most units offer a porch or balcony with scenic
views of the surrounding community.
 One and two bedroom apartments within five
separate three and four story buildings
 Elevator services
The Townhomes at Treyburn Feature:
 Variety of floor plans: each offers an option to add
a third floor and elevator
 Private backyard
 Detached 2 car garage
 Porches on end units
Kings Manor Condominiums Feature:
 Two four story condominium buildings with
two, three and four bedroom homes
 Secure, underground parking
 Wide range of amenities including a spa
with saunas, steam rooms, a "Zen" room,
massage room, fitness room floor exercise
room, concierge area, billiards room, movie
theater, and catering kitchen with attached
dining room.

Here is a link to an short video clip that will give you a tour of the conceptual High Street High Street Williamsburg Va it will play in Windows Media Player

To view all current condos/ town homes for sale in High Street Williamsburg Click here:
Search High Street Williamsburg Properties/ homes for sale

CLICK HERE FOR Real Estate Home Search Tidewater Hampton Roads Va

For additional Info contact John Womeldorf/ Mr Williamsburg/ Liz Moore & Associates 757 254 8136
John@MrWilliamsburg.com email
www.MrWilliamsburg.com/ website
www.MrHamptonroads.com/ website
www.MrTidewater.com/ website
www.MrVaBeach.com/ website

Williamsburg Real Estate Resource. Search for Homes & Land in Williamsburg Virginia & surrounding areas click here :CLICK HERE WILLIAMSBURG VA MLS HOME SEARCH

Thursday, March 06, 2008

Mr Williamsburg.com Real Estate Update "FHA Loan limits increased. March 2008

FHA LOAN LIMITS INCREASED TO $428,750 for the Hampton Roads, Tidewater, Williamsburg, James City County area.

What does this mean for you ?

FHA allows a minimum investment of 3%.

FHA has more lenient underwriting guidelines.

FHA has lower monthly mortgage insurance.

FHA allows higher debt ratios.

FHA allows gifts for the 3% down payment.

FHA allows the 3% down payment to be secured borrowed funds.

FHA uses the standard conventional appraisal.

FHA allows the MIP to be added to the maximum loan amount.

For additional Info contact John Womeldorf/REALTOR

Liz Moore & Associates

757 254 8136
John@MrWilliamsburg.com email

CLICK HERE FOR Real Estate Home Search Tidewater Hampton Roads Va

www.MrTidewater.com/ website

www.MrVaBeach.com/ website

http://www.mrburg.com/

Williamsburg Real Estate Resource. Search for Homes & Land in Williamsburg Virginia & surrounding areas click here :CLICK HERE WILLIAMSBURG VA MLS HOME SEARCH

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Williamsburg/ James City County Employee Home Purchase Assistance

JAMES CITY - “It’s going to be pretty tight the first couple of months,” said Chris Clauser, 23, a county firefighter. He closed on his first home this week, a new $207,000 three-bedroom townhouse in Pocahontas Square. To Clauser, the workforce housing crunch is much more than a few lines in reports, surveys and news articles. As it is for so many people, his quest has been relentless. He was finally able to find and afford his new home thanks to a little-publicized subsidy offered to county employees. The county matches $3,000 of his money to help with closing costs.
The program has been in place for several years and it’s gaining entries every year. Over the past several years, 50 employees have signed up and 34 have purchased homes.

The contribution can be used toward either down payments or closing costs. “It’s been a very useful program,” said Rick Hanson, director of Housing & Community Development. “It gives incentive for people who work in the county to purchase here in the county or City of Williamsburg in recognition that it may be somewhat more expensive to live here than in surrounding jurisdictions.” A certain amount is set aside in the county budget to match employee contributions.

Employees either match $3,000 in a lump sum, as Clauser did, or can slowly contribute to a layaway plan. “It has grown,” Hanson said. “Last year we had the largest number of participants, and this year seems to be on track to be around the same. Demand for this program seems to have grown.” Expansion may be next. Today the subsidy extends to county, James City Service Authority and library employees. Hanson said it may someday reach to school employees and serve as a model for private employers.

The $3,000 can also be combined with other assistance programs, including a similar program for first-time homebuyers. Clauser used his $3,000 toward his closing costs and took advantage of an offer from the builder to pay the remaining $7,000 to close. It leaves the firefighter looking ahead to monthly payments with a little bit of cushion. Until recently, Clauser had been renting with roommates in Hampton. The combination of programs helped him return to James City, he said. “I don’t really want to move back in with my parents,” he said, laughing. “I don’t want to be thatguy.” He found navigating the paperwork relatively easy. He furnished the county with a copy of his bank statement, credit report and pay stubs, information he had to furnish to finance the home anyway. “It was all very quick,” he said. “I was very impressed with the time, the turn-around.”

Still, it’s not something for nothing. Clauser, who has been with the fire department four years, committed to remaining with the county at least 50 more months. He cannot sell the home for three years, either. The county benefits twice by having a long-term employee and residential taxpayer. “We’ll see what my life has developed into [then],” he said. “For now, I’m 23, single. This is perfect.”

Wal Mart in New Town ? Say it ain't so !!!

Williamsburg/ James City County - Settler’s Market in New Town is expecting its first retail openings in the fall. More intriguing than the stores already signed on is one potential tenant: Wal-Mart.

Confirmed are Trader Joe’s, Michaels Arts & Crafts, Home Goods, Books-A-Million and a branch of BB&T Bank. Rumored is a P.F. Chang’s China Bistro and a specialty grocery store under the Wal-Mart umbrella.

Joe Stettinius, New Town’s marketing director, could not confirm the rumors, and a Wal-Mart spokesman did not return calls for confirmation.

Wal-Mart operates more than 120 “Neighborhood Markets,” usually in the vicinity of a Wal-Mart Supercenter. The brand was launched in 1998 with stores of 42,000 square feet, roughly a quarter the size of a supercenter like the one on Rochambeau Drive.

According to Wal-Mart’s website, Neighborhood Markets feature fresh produce, deli foods, fresh meat and dairy items, health and beauty aids, photo processing, a drive-thru pharmacy, and more. The markets employ fewer than 100 people and stock 29,000 items.

New Town has resisted big box retailers as tacky, favoring instead smaller stores and independent shops. A Neighborhood Market’s size is more in line with New Town’s scale, but the proximity to Trader Joe’s market may cause the latter heartburn.

A Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market would be the first in Virginia. Wal-Mart has more than 100 stores statewide and a massive East Coast distribution center in Grove.

Meanwhile, the rest of New Town is moving into its final years of construction, Stettinius said.

A two-acre hotel site, Settler’s Market residential and more retail on Ironbound are all up for sale. The developers are also hoping to rezone an infill parcel on the west side of Route 199 behind WindsorMeade Marketplace for 300 apartments. “We are coming down to what I call the last two years,” Stettinius said. He said New Town remains strong despite the housing slowdown. He said almost 80 homes sold last year and expects sales to hold steady this year.

Another concern has been the perception that the retail market is saturated, with High Street, Prime Outlets’ expansion, Quarterpath, Marquis and Settler’s Market all opening the same year. Stettinius said Settler’s and New Town are still attracting retailers. “It might take a little longer, but we’ll be okay in the long run,” he said. “Everybody’s just doing their thing.” New Town’s office space is also robust, with two office buildings opening on Discovery Park Boulevard. The county’s Office of Economic Development has agreed to move into office space in the Discovery II building.

Thursday, January 17, 2008

51 Reasons to Live in Smithfield Virginia

“The Ham Capital of the World”

Award-Winning Police Department Local farmer’s markets

Best preserved of Virginia Colonial Seaports
Quaint historic downtown
18th & 19th Century architecture
10.1 square miles in size
The Smithfield Center - new state-of-the-art community center
Smithfield Packing Plant
Smithfield Ham
Located on the Pagan River
Cypress Creek Golf Club
Camptown Park-15-acre athletic facility
Year-round Christmas Store
Carrollton Nike Park
Fishing pier and boat ramps
Fort Boykin Historic Park self-guided
tour recounting history from 1623
Skating Rink
Smithfield Ice Cream Parlor
Smithfield Station Waterfront Inn and Marina
Volunteer Fire Department
Isle of Wight County Museum
Smithfield Flower Shop
Victorian home lined streets
James River waterfront homes
Bed & Breakfasts
World’s Largest Ham Biscuit
awarded by Guinness World
Records
Roadside Seafood Stands
St. Luke’s Church… circa 1632
Celebrated their 250th anniversary in 2002
Dr. May’s Veterinary Hospital
Boykin’s Tavern Museum
Smithfield Little Theater
Smithfield “Olden Days”
Small community of Rescue
Chuck-a-Mucks
Antique shopping
County Fair
Hattie Drummond House… circa 1858 which now serves as the Visitors’ Center
Schoolhouse Museum... circa 1932
Smithfield Garden Center
Saint Paul’s Church
Fish Fry’s
Christmas Parade
Smithfield Station
The Old Courthouse of 1750 located on Main Street
Battle of Smithfield took place in the middle of Main Street
Isle of Wight Courthouse of 1800
Smithfield Walking Tours
Population approximately 7,000
Brown’s Marina
Gatling Point Marina
Horseback Riding & Carriage Rides

51 Reasons to love living in Newport News

51 Reasons To Love Living In
Newport News

Local artifacts at the Mariner’s Museum
Excellent public and private schools
Port Warwick - named after the fictional town in William Styron's novel, Lie Down in Darkness
Newport News Victory Arch, built to commemorate the Great War
Historic architecture in Hilton Village,
Huntington Heights and downtown area
Birthplace of Ella Fitzgerald (jazz singer), Allen Iverson (pro- basketball) and William Styron
(author of Sophie's Choice)
Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility
The Los Angeles-class submarine USS Newport News named in the town’s honor
Liz Moore and Associates
The world’s largest ship builder
The Noland Trail, a 5 mile walking and running trail around Lake Maury
Newport News Park Celebration of Lights at Christmas
Deer Run Golf Course and Kiln Creek Golf Course
Consecutive State High School Basketball Champions
Cozzie’s Comedy Club
Great German food at Das Waldcafe
Local productions at Yoder’s Theater
James River Fishing Pier and
Huntington Beach
Achievable Dreams Tennis Court
Great exhibits at the Virginia Living Museum
Pedal boating and fishing on
Harwood’s Mill
Hektor, the Puerto Rican one man band at El Mariachi’s
Ferguson Center for the Performing Arts
Peninsula Skating Center
Greek Hellenic Center (great Greek food during Greek Week!)
Denbigh Days
Oyster Point Business Park
Great shopping and restaurants at City Center
A bargain hunter’s delight at the Jefferson Flea Market
94,000 square feet of recreational space at the Mid Town Community Center
31 parks, including Newport News Park, the largest municipal park east of the Mississippi
2 great general hospitals, plus the brand new Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters
Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport – so convenient!
Endview Plantation, a civil war history museum
A public dog park
Living History events at Lee Hall Mansion
Christopher Newport University
Newsome House Museum & Cultural Center
Patrick Henry Mall
2 AMF Bowling Centers
Peninsula Fine Arts Center
Peninsula SPCA & Petting Zoo
Real home cooking at the Lunch Bell
Virginia War Museum
Fort Fun
Peninsula Skating Center
Blue Ribbon public high schools
YMCA
Amtrak train station

Saturday, January 12, 2008

Wellington Estates Smithfield Va

Nestled in Historic Smithfield Virginia ,Wellington Estates combines easy living and amazing affordability. A sense of small town America combines with easy access to the Peninsula and the rest of Hampton Roads which features 38 home sites being developed within an already established upscale community.

Four different home plans are offered from 2600 to 3100 square feet. Prices start in the mid $300's. Located only 15 minutes from the Peninsula yet only 25 minutes from Norfolk. Taxes are a very low .69 per $100 compared to other localities that could be as much as $170 less per month. The neighborhood offers a playground and hiking/walking paths.

Close by in Smithfield are quaint shops, fantastic restaurants and exciting cultural venues in town, nearby are marinas, golf course and other recreational diversions.

For More information contact John Womeldorf/ Mr Williamsburg/ Liz Moore & Associates
757 254 8136

John@MrWilliamsburg.com email

www.MrWilliamsburg.com/website
www.MrHamptonroads.com/ website
www.MrTidewater.com/ website
www.MrVaBeach.com/ website

Williamsburg Virginia Real Estate Resource. Search for Homes & Land in Williamsburg Virginia & surrounding areas click here :CLICK HERE WILLIAMSBURG VA MLS HOME SEARCH

White Hall Anderson's Corner James City County/ Williamsburg VA

This new home development in the western part of James City County lies near the intersections of Rt 30 and Rt 60 in the Anderson's Corner area not far from Stonehouse. The developer will retain the Historic White Hall home( pictured at the left ) built in the early 1800's for William Geddy.

Proposed components of the new community include approx 170 Condo/ Townhomes and approximately 240 single family detached homes . Pricing is still to be determined. There is also a commercial component located nearby that will also be developed.

CLICK HERE FOR Real Estate Home Search Tidewater Hampton Roads Va

For More information contact John Womeldorf/ Mr Williamsburg/ Liz Moore & Associates

757 254 8136 John@MrWilliamsburg.com email

www.MrWilliamsburg.com/website

CLICK HERE FOR Real Estate Home Search Tidewater Hampton Roads Va

www.MrVaBeach.com/ website

Williamsburg Virginia Real Estate Resource. Search for Homes & Land in Williamsburg Virginia & surrounding areas click here :CLICK HERE WILLIAMSBURG VA MLS HOME SEARCH

Thursday, January 10, 2008

Asheton Newport News Virginia

Asheton is to be a master-planned community of historic proportions that celebrates life in harmony with its magnificent surroundings. Here, a new center of gravity takes shape, bringing you a masterpiece lifestyle in perfect balance with nature, the environment, and the history of the land. We bring you a place filled with beautiful homes in old-fashioned neighborhoods, featuring every modern comfort, world-class amenities and incomparable conveniences. And we bring you a place that fosters a keen sense of community and a strong connection to the past.

Asheton is not just a new place to live. It’s authentic. It’s real. It’s home.

A choice of luxury single-family, estate homes, townhomes, condominiums, and apartment homes

Diverse streetscapes featuring vintage Virginia architecture

Historic Newport News location

Full-service retail centers, restaurants and conveniences

Medical and professional office space

Neighborhood parks, nature trails and tree-lined sidewalks

Year-round calendar of community events

Community clubhouse and gathering places

H2O Hampton Va

H2O Residential Community Hampton Va
Located on approximately 25 acres of land adjacent to the Hampton Coliseum, will have approximately 500 luxury townhouse & condominiums.

The site is located in the Crossroads community fronting both sides of Freeman Drive and adjacent to Coliseum Lake and Newmarket Creek. The Crossroads community includes the Hampton Coliseum the Hampton Roads Convention Center, the Embassy Suites Hotel, a planned entertainment district and a waterfront linear park. The project will be within walking distance to planned retail, entertainment and restaurants adjacent to the Hampton Coliseum.

An $80 million investment the planned community will incorporate traditional neighborhood design and consist of condominium flats, four-story stacked townhouses and three-story traditional townhouses Other elements of the project include 40+ acres of open space to include central amenities, linear green along Freeman Drive, and a linear waterfront park as well as active recreational components to include a clubhouse and pool facility, unusual water features, and a series of walking trails and pedestrian access. Units will include integrated garages with access provided via private internal streets and alley ways.

Construction started last summer and the developers hope to start selling the units, priced between $190,000 and the low $300,000s, sometime in 2008.The rise in prices on the Peninsula, where the median price this year is $222,000, is stronger than an almost 2 percent increase in South Hampton Roads, where the median price is $245,900. While condos were about $37,000 more expensive in South Hampton Roads than the Peninsula a year ago, that gap has dropped to $23,900.

Consisting of four-story flat condominiums and two- and three-story townhomes. With a splash of modern decor and upgraded finishes, H2O Hampton will provide you with the elements for a lifestyle free from hassle and chaos. Experience living in a whole new dimension with distinct water attractions and unique amenities.

Town Center Developments in Hampton Roads Va

We know that several different localities make up the Hampton Roads region. But it sure seems like a lot of towns and centers have been cropping up lately.Some of these places aren't really towns at all, and even their status as "centers" is questionable. But they sure are popular.To clear up some of the confusion, here's a guide to the various developments with "town" or "center" — or "centre" — in their names. CLICK on each name to learn more. A disclaimer: we don't have the space to list all of them. —

Peninsula Town Center

Where it really is: Hampton, including the former site of Coliseum MallWhat it really is: It isn't a town, but a mix of stores, restaurants, offices and more than 150 apartments (above retail space). The $207 million development is under construction and expected to be finished in spring 2009. In addition to the new J.C. Penney and the old Macy's already open, stores will include Target, Barnes & Noble and others.

Hampton Town Center

Where it really is: Hampton, at the intersection of Big Bethel Road and Hampton Roads Center ParkwayWhat is really is: Again, it isn't a town, just a 42-acre shopping center with a wacky spelling; The center includes miscellaneous stores, restaurants and a 24-screen AMC movie theater that opened in 1998.

Oyster Point
Where it really is: Newport News, along Thimble Shoals BoulevardWhat it really is: Geographically, City Center is indeed located in the center of Newport News This 52-acre mixed-use district includes scores of stores, offices and restaurants, 365 homes (and growing), a hotel and a fountain park. Newcomers shouldn't confuse the landlocked, $300 million City Center with Newport News' historical downtown, which is located miles away on the southern tip of the city.

New Town Williamsburg
Where it really is: in James City County just west of WilliamsburgWhat it really is: not a town, but a mixed-use development within a county; As it name implies, it is rather "new" — it opened in 2005 and will grow to 1.1 million square feet of shops, restaurants and entertainment. There are 520 homes built or under construction now, with about 600 more expected in the next five years

Town Center Va Beach

Where it really is: Virginia Beach, the Pembroke area near the Independence Boulevard exit off Interstate 264What it really is: Anchored by Virginia's tallest building — a new 38-story hotel and residential tower — Town Center is giving Virginia's most populated and sprawling city a downtown feel. It encompasses 17 city blocks, 4.3 million square feet of homes, offices, shops and restaurants. Highlights include The Sandler Center for Performing Arts, P.F Chang's China Bistro, and — who can resist — The Cheesecake Factory. Don't confuse it with the Hampton development known as Peninsula Town Center.
More articles

Harbor View Town Center Suffolk
Where it really is: in the northern part of a city, namely SuffolkWhat it really is: When finished in several years, the $553 million development will encompass 500,000 of office space, 300,000 square feet of stores, 150,000 square feet of medical offices, 750 hotel rooms and 1,200 homes. Currently within the boundaries of Harbour View is a Bon Secours hospital. A 16-screen movie theater is just outside the development.And, talk about a "Center" conspiracy — the same architectural firm involved in Harbour View also helped plan parts of City Center in Newport News and Town Center in Virginia Beach.

Hampton Place Hampton

Where it really is: next to the Hampton Coliseum in the parking lot next to I-64, not far from the Peninsula Town Center
What it really is: Well, it will indeed be a "place" in Hampton. The proposed 19-acre development costs about $250 million with a tentative completion date of 2011. The plan includes a 2,000-seat theater, a hotel, parking garage, restaurants, offices and 58 residential units The site for the master-planned regional hub is now bordered by the Coliseum events center, the Hampton Roads Convention Center, Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, and Hampton Power Plant retail center. Coliseum Mall, under a major redevelopment by a joint venture of Mall Properties and Steiner Development, is situated just north of the Hampton Crossroads project site. The site's excellent visibility along Interstate 64, and strategic location next to the I-64 intersection with Interstate 664, will allow the Crossroads to place a signature new project in the City of Hampton. Project development plans for the Crossroads envision an active district within the City of Hampton, augmenting the leisure, events, and meetings focus of the adjacent Coliseum and new Convention Center. Crossroads facilities will likely broaden the destination appeal of this unique neighborhood, by providing additional things to do, events to go to, places to eat, and shops to browse through.

Wednesday, January 09, 2008

Water Country Williamsburg VA expanding Jan 2008

Williamsburg /YORK COUNTY - Competition from Great Wolf Lodge and a Timeshare Water park near Williamsburg Country Club is driving the remake of Water Country USA. Major renovations Tuesday that will have visitors cruising and sliding when the park opens its season May 10."Rock 'n' Roll Island" will include three, 200-foot-long body slides named "Funky Chicken," "The Hully Gully" and "The Twist."There will also be a children's slide called "Little Bopper." And the entire island will be surrounded by a 700-foot-long "lazy river" that allows visitors to float along on a slow current. All of it themed around the Rock and Roll Culture of the 1950's and 60's.

The expansion will replace Adventure Island, behind the wave pool in the back of the park, which was one of the oldest areas of the park. Construction will take several months but finish in time for the park's opening in May. Photo updates of the renovation will be posted later on the park's Web site, http://www.watercountryusa.com/.

The water slides will be translucent providing a view of those using them ( ??) this should prove interesting !

Ford's Colony Update Jan 2008

JAMES CITY–– The new Republcian supervisors will be tested promptly on the limits of growth as homeowners in Ford’s Colony resist a big assisted living facility and a model plan for workforce housing. The protest has gained almost 900 people on a petition objecting to both projects. What’s new is a full-court press to see if the new Republican majority will stand up to Realtec, the development company under Ford’s Colony management.
The prognosis for that is weak. The supervisors were expected to deal with the controversy Jan. 22. When opponents smoked it out on the agenda, it was mysteriously deferred though hardly killed. Republicans are caught in a growth dilemma. They seem to favor Ford’s Colony in the argument on the basis of precedent and economic development. But the land use and legal arguments tend to favor the opposition. The sheer volume of feisty resistance is buoyed by exploiting a zoning loophole. Both projects lie outside the compound, across News and Centerville roads. Realtec owns the land and wants to expand. Critics have uncovered two arcane points in the zoning ordinance that could unravel the developer (see box). Section 24-275 suggests that Realtec may have lost its status as a residential planned community because it no longer owns at least 400 acres. Opponents contend that 77% of the compound is owned by families and couples who have bought homes over the years, vesting 95% of the assessed property valuation in their hands.

Section 24-283 stipulates that Realtec can expand, but only if it owns or controls the compound. Opponents cite the word “ownership” as crucial. The county has historically interpreted the clauses to mean that the developer should initiallyhold 400 acres. Opponents are pushing for a strict interpretation that would acknowledge that Realtec has sold off controlling interest. “We agree with the way the county has been interpreting it for the last several decades,” Realtec president Drew Mulhare said. “We’ve gone through several masterplan amendments, which have included additional property, and this issue has never been raised before.”

Should the opponents prevail, it could have ramifications for Governor’s Land, Kingsmill and Stonehouse, limiting their ability to expand outside their compounds. More to the point, it would limit Realtec from continuing to expand into the countryside of Centerville Road beyond the two projects on the drawing board. While hundreds are protesting the assisted living facilty and workforce housing, the Ford’s Colony Homeowners Association has not taken a stand. That’s because the HOA continues to negotiate with Realtec in hopes of getting a better deal through more creative proffers.

Last fall the 283 dilemma was presented by the county planning staff to the old Board of Supervisors, which directed staff to find out how other counties deal with it. The Jan. 22 work session was supposed to tackle 283, but it fell off the agenda. The issue is not listed on the work session agenda schedule beyond that. Powhatan supervisor Jim Icenhour, himself a Ford’s Colony resident opposed to Realtec’s plans, wondered this week how it got scuttled. “I found out today it’s not going to be on the agenda,” Icenhour said in an interview Thursday. Some believe the new Republican majority is not eager to field 283 opposition. Stonehouse supervisor Jim Kennedy has noted that the proposal isn’t simply residential but also has a business component, which the Republicans strongly favor. Roberts supervisor Bruce Goodson said this week that a majority of county residents want to see county procedures that stall development removed, fueling greater growth. Republican party chair Chris Henderson, also a Ford’s Colony HOA board member, said that for James City County to strictly interpret the zoning ordinance would be an example of government interfering with contractual relations between homeowners and the developer.

Henderson argued that bringing 283 into the argument was simply an attempt by opponents to capitalize on a poorly worded ordinance to bolster NIMBY arguments. “What these people really want is veto authority over land use,” he said. Even with a strict interpretation of the county ordinance, though, Realtec’s bid might not be dead. Mulhare said that the Ford family has diversified its holdings into separate entities for estate planning purposes. But it would still have far more than 400 acres if forced to reconsolidate to move the two plans forward. Legal experts believe that Realtec hopes to avoid any scenario that requires a special use permit, since that would open the door for outright denial based on public pressure through formal hearings. Much of the opposition has been led by James City Citizens’ Coalition, or J4C.

Icenhour attended a J4C meeting as a guest Thursday evening and explained that, with the issue off the Jan. 22 agenda, it won’t be raised before the Planning Commission considers the case Feb. 6 unless the supervisors have a change of heart next week. “Well, 900 people asking them to do something, it ought to move some weight,” homeowner Dale Merriss argued.

For More information contact John Womeldorf/ Mr Williamsburg/ Liz Moore & Associates

757 254 8136

John@MrWilliamsburg.com emaill