Va. Beach Towncenter project

[rusthebuss]

Is that a parking garage in front of the theatre?

[urbanvb]

Is that a parking garage in front of the theatre?

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It does look like to be one but I really am not sure.

[vdogg]

It does look like to be one but I really am not sure. 

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Thanks for the update guy and nice pics. Va. Beach is a very green city indeed. Also helps to see what type of view you can get from the Westin. It's kinda funny to think that Granby Tower will be visible from the Westin and vice versa.

[urbanvb]

Early yesterday I was going out and saw some workers were working on the crane at the Cosmo. Later I returned only to see the crane being taken down. Kinda hate to see it go.

[vdogg]

That black crane must be the pieces on the flat bed truck that i saw the other day. On the plus side, the closer the cosmo is to being finished the closer we are to starting on the Westin .

[urbanvb]

That black crane must be the pieces on the flat bed truck that i saw the other day. On the plus side, the closer the cosmo is to being finished the closer we are to starting on the Westin .

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I hope a crane is going to the Westin soon. Funny I saw 4 trucks today with pieces of a black colored crane coming from the old HQ site going towards the interstate. I guess it had done its job.

[hoobo]

Is that a parking garage in front of the theatre?

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It's supposed to be a 3-story office/retail building. Restaurants/cafes along with some shops on the ground floor with offices on the top 2. The restaurants and shops are supposed to complement the theatre (i.e. market to the clientele). I believe the theatre will share parking with the Westin. They should open at the same time bringing the total number of parking garages to four with probably two more on the way (one in Phase 4 and the other once the TB/Beacon parcel is purchased).

[baobabs727]

I asked about the news of a 2k car parking garage at the Bed, Bath and Beyond site. I was told there was some talk to the owner about that but really that was all. There is nothing in the works that she was aware of.

Yeah, I met Mary, too. Very nice lady. She filled in for Mr. Divaris for about 5 mins while he took a personal call half-way thru our meeting. All I can say is that Mr. Divaris said this would happen--and he didn't hesitate or equivocate. Maybe he's in the midst of persuading the property owners to move on this...and more! So, I wouldn't bet against it happening eventually.

[urbanvb]

Today I walked over to the Westin site and snapped a few pics of the Cosmo and the park. I believe they are to build an amphitheater on the site for concerts and such in the park. That will really be neat to see that happen.

[okinawatyphoon]

^^ What a pretty lake!! ugghh....jk.

[hoobo]

^^ What a pretty lake!! ugghh....jk.

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You mean retention pond? It does it's job.

[urbanlife]

the trees have really grown in on that lake, I remember when they first planted them. get some more benches around them. Give people living there some more reasons to use it and I think it will work for the little downtown.

[vdogg]

According to the city managers update the Performing arts Center is being "fine tuned".

Don't know the reason for this but perhaps this explains the delay in construction.

City Managers Update

[rusthebuss]

According to the city managers update the Performing arts Center is being "fine tuned".

Don't know the reason for this but perhaps this explains the delay in construction.

City Managers Update

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Maybe for a better center. Let's hope so. Maybe someones wallet is getting to thin?

[urbanvb]

Sources tell me the rumor mill is that the center will be breaking ground this fall with a 2 year build out plan. I am not sure of other details but when I find out I will let you know.

[vdogg]

Sources tell me the rumor mill is that the center will be breaking ground this fall with a 2 year build out plan. I am not sure of other details but when I find out I will let you know. 

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But they already broke ground, how can they break it again? So i guess the concentration is on the Westin then. They so should've had the Westins groundbreaking in May instead of the centers.

[urbanvb]

I emailed my source to find out exactly what other areas will be built on. My only thoughts are for the possible new office tower to be built on the Columbus One parking lot, the Taco Bell/Va Pilot lots and perhaps the remaining retail - B&N, Planet Music BB&B and the theater.

[vdogg]

I emailed my source to find out exactly what other areas will be built on. My only thoughts are for the possible new office tower to be built on the Columbus One parking lot, the Taco Bell/Va Pilot lots and perhaps the remaining retail - B&N, Planet Music BB&B and the theater.

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It's gonna be built on the Columbus parking lot. That land was specifically designated for the next office tower via signed agreement between the city and the developer.

[hoobo]

It's gonna be built on the Columbus parking lot. That land was specifically designated for the next office tower via signed agreement between the city and the developer.

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Just to confirm: we're talking about the empty parcel with the parking lot and not the parcel on which Columbus One, the Hilton Garden, and Towne Bank sit.

[vdogg]

Just to confirm:  we're talking about the empty parcel with the parking lot and not the parcel on which Columbus One, the Hilton Garden, and Towne Bank sit.

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Thats correct.

[vdogg]

Here is a very large, albeit dated, article on towncenter. Don't think it's been posted here yet, it's form armada hofflers website.

[vdogg]

Ok, time to talk about something positive going. Rode by TC today and all of phase 3 was ablaze with construction activity. The pile driver was back and operating and there were several earth movers and diggers busy on both the Westin and Performing arts center site. It's great to see this progressing in such a timely manner. At least we know we'll have one tallest in state, even if the other doesn't pan out.

[urbanvb]

Good deal. Gonna be fun to see all this going up - especially the Westin.

[PeninsulaKiddo]

Even though the official Virginia Beach Town Center site is under reconstruction, www.thecosmopolitanapartments.com has a May 5th update and even though it's pretty out of date---it's a good aerial.

[urbanvb]

I decided to take a few pics today of the Town Center and the surrounding area.

Most of the windows are in now and construction continues.

The new pool on top, perhaps?

The Peforming Arts Center is coming along. They seem to be digging some pretty deep holes on the sides.

The new Ethan Allen Store. I really LOVE the architecture of this store. Notice the 'Town Center' moniker has jumped across the street.

Fuddrucker's urbanization is complete with a new paint scheme, thick molding and new awnings.

The Pizza Hut is now a strip center.. or will be soon. A vitamin store and Starbucks is going there that I am aware.

So I hear, developers are trying to lure a pretty upscale store to this location.

Coming soon, Honeytree Botique. It will be located beside Ann Taylor Loft.

Looks like construction going on at the future site of Sonoma Wine Bar and Grill which will be located just below Ruth's Chris.

Construction is happening here also for the new Zushi Japanese Sushi bar.

That's it for now. Hope you enjoyed. Also, the Westin lot didn't really look too much different so I didn't take any pics of it.