Starbucks has applied to serve Wine and Beer at Wards Corner

December 18, 2015

starbucks evenings‘Evenings’ at Starbucks is coming to Wards Corner.  Starbucks Evenings is a fairly new concept that Starbucks has been testing and now expanding across the country.

Our Starbucks Evenings menu features a thoughtful selection of wine and craft beer alongside the signature coffee and tea beverages you know and love. Enjoy one of our savory small plates – whether it’s our creamy Truffle Mac & Cheese or a delicious flatbread.

So take a moment to unwind, meet up with friends and enjoy a glass of wine and a delicious little something—with us. – Starbucks Evenings website

According to their special exception application filed with the City, beer and wine sales are to be 2pm – 10pm Monday – Friday, noon – 10pm Saturday, and noon – 9pm on Sundays.  No entertainment or live music is being proposed.

The City’s Department of Development recently  reported that the Wards Corner Starbucks is ranked second in sales regionally.

The PDF application can be viewed here: Starbucks Wards Corner

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Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.

More details on Your Pie coming to WC

March 17, 2015

yourpielogoThe franchise owner, Jeff Rhoades, presented to the Wards Corner Civic League last night on his new-to-the-region pizza restaurant, Your Pie.  Your Pie was founded in Athens, Georgia and currently has locations in Georgia, South Carolina, Florida, and Tennessee.  Jeff has plans to open six Your Pie franchises in the Hampton Roads region and Wards Corner will be his first location as well as the first location in the state.

Jeff indicated he chose Wards Corner based on the success of places like Harris Teeter and Southwest Moe’s and hopes to finalize his lease agreement with the landlord of K & K Square in the near future.  He plans on leasing the southernmost end unit that abuts Louisiana Drive.

The leased space allows for a planned 65 seats inside, 7 of which are at the bar, and outdoor eating space.  Expected hours of operation are likely to be from 10am to 9pm daily.

The restaurant will offer pizza, salad, a gelato station, 7 beer taps, about 40 bottle beers, and wine.  Jeff says he plans to have relationships with local breweries to offer their beer on tap.

The pizza comes in an 11″ personal size for one price: $7.99.  Similar to Southwest Moes, you will select your own toppings.  As you enter the ordering line you will choose your crust, your sauce, your cheese, and your toppings, of which there will be over 40.  From the time you start your order to the time your pizza is delivered to your table is expected to take 7 minutes.

Your Pie will cook their pizzas in a brick oven and plans to open around the beginning of July.

The Wards Corner Civic League voted at their meeting on March 16 to support Your Pie’s special exception to serve beer and wine on premises.  The Planning Commission will vote on the special exception in May and City Council will likely vote in June.

Your Pie website: http://www.yourpie.com/

 

3 Comments | economic development | Tagged: , | Permalink
Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.

Fast-casual pizzeria wants to open at Wards Corner

March 13, 2015
Your Pie wants to open a location at Wards Corner

Your Pie wants to open a location at Wards Corner

Your Pie is a chain restaurant that offers build-your-own quick-service pizzas, gelato, and craft beers.  Customers choose pizza toppings similar to how sandwiches are ordered at Subway and then the pizzas are baked while you wait.

Your Pie is requesting a special exception from the City to allow them to sell alcohol at a proposed location in the Harris Teeter anchored K & K Square.  The applicant, as a part of that process has contacted the Wards Corner Civic League for input before proceeding before the Planning Commission.

Your Pie representatives will be at the Wards Corner Civic League on March 16, 2015 at 6:45pm at the Fitness and Wellness Center on Newport Ave to present their restaurant plan.  The public is invited and encouraged to attend.

Your Pie’s website: http://www.yourpie.com/

4 Comments | economic development, Wards Corner Business District | Tagged: , , | Permalink
Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.

Mattress store to replace BP gas station at Wards Corner

February 4, 2015

MattressFirmThere have been a few emails coming in asking what is being built at the northeast corner of Wards Corner.  The BP station was torn down from that location last year and they are currently building a new retail store that will house a Mattress Firm.

The likely tenant type was mentioned at the Wards Corner Civic League meeting in March of 2014 and most comments were negative as there was already a mattress store at Wards Corner.  That store was, and still is, Sleepy’s.

Since that time, The Original Mattress Factory announced they will be opening in Wards Corner as well.  They plan a March 2015 opening date and are currently under construction in the Midtown Shopping Center at the northeast corner.

19 Comments | economic development | Tagged: , , , | Permalink
Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.

Collins to present final proposal at special meeting on January 20 at Fitness and Wellness Center

January 11, 2015
Proposed Site Plan including apartments to the bottom right and townhouses to the left

Proposed Site Plan including apartments to the bottom right and townhouses to the left

Collins Enterprises will present their final version of their apartment / townhouse / condo plan to be constructed on Newport Ave just north of Granby Elementary.

The meeting will be on January 20, 2015 at 6:30pm at the Fitness and Wellness Center.  The meeting is a joint meeting of the Wards Corner Civic League and Talbot Hall Civic League.  The public is invited to attend.

The meeting starts at 6:30pm and each civic league will take a vote during the meeting to advise the planning commission and city council on their support and concerns about the project.

Updated designs will be posted to Wards Corner Now prior to the meeting.  Please attend and let your concerns be known.

 

Comments Off on Collins to present final proposal at special meeting on January 20 at Fitness and Wellness Center | economic development, wards corner | Tagged: , , , | Permalink
Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.

Collins to present new apartment and townhouse plans for Newport Ave

November 14, 2014

Arthur Collins is back with another plan for his property on Newport Ave just north of Granby Elementary.  He will be presenting to the Wards Corner Civic League and the Talbot Hall Civic League.  Both meetings will be open to the public.

Wards Corner Civic League meeting:
November 17 @ 645pm
Fitness and Wellness Center

Talbot Hall Civic League meeting:
November 24 @ 7pm
Royster Memorial Church

For history on the property and Mr. Collins, please read: Art Collins, Going his own way – Unwilling to put any agreements in writing

The new proposal will require an amendment to the zoning for the property.  The rezoning will require Collins to go before the Planning Commission and City Council for approval.

Proposed site plan including apartments to the bottom right and townhouses to the left

Proposed site plan including apartments to the bottom right and townhouses to the left

Collins’ current zoning allows for 385 multifamily dwellings which could either be apartments or condos.  There are currently 12 condos constructed in the northeast corner of the site.

The new proposal calls for 318 total units of which 180 are to be apartments, 68 townhouses, and 70 condos (including the already constructed 12 condos).

Proposed townhouse design ideas

Proposed townhouse design ideas

The new proposal calls for a pool and clubhouse for the townhouses and what appears to be a second pool and clubhouse for the apartments.

View down a street of proposed townhouses

View down a street of proposed townhouses

For more details attend one of the civic league meetings and review the complete presentation (PDF).

 

Comments Off on Collins to present new apartment and townhouse plans for Newport Ave | economic development | Tagged: , , , | Permalink
Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.

Largest purchase of Denby Park properties completed by City of Norfolk

October 10, 2014
Denby Park properties to be purchased by City of Norfolk. YELLOW highlighted properties are to be purchased in 2014. RED highlighted properties were purchased in 2013. BLUE highlighted properties were purchased in 2011.

Denby Park properties to be purchased by City of Norfolk. YELLOW highlighted properties are to be purchased in 2014. RED highlighted properties were purchased in 2013. BLUE highlighted properties were purchased in 2011.

The Texas streets portion of Denby Park has, in the past, been referred to as the criminal cancer of Wards Corner.  The City of Norfolk is completing steps to finalize its third purchase of property in that area in an attempt to rid it of the substandard housing that attracts the criminal element.

The most recent purchase includes 88 units on San Antonio Blvd.  The addresses are: 352 San Antonio, 366 San Antonio, 369 San Antonio, 375 San Antonio, 7816, 7820, 7824 San Antonion, and 7812 San Antonio.

The city’s Department of Neighborhood Development is inviting the public to attend a community celebration on October 21, 2014 at 4:00 PM at 352 San Antonio Boulevard to celebrate the purchase and eventual demolition of the 88 additional units in Denby Park.

Expect brief remarks made by elected officials and members of the community.  Police/Fire-Rescue will be on hand cooking and serving food and refreshments so bring your appetite.

 

Comments Off on Largest purchase of Denby Park properties completed by City of Norfolk | City Of Norfolk, crime, economic development | Tagged: | Permalink
Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.

Firehouse Subs is open at Wards Corner

August 3, 2014

Firehouse_Subs_97625Firehouse Subs is now open at Wards Corner.

It is located in the Midtown Shopping Center located at the northeast corner of Wards Corner.  The official opening date was July 27, 2014.

John Knight wrote in saying:

“The restaurant is beautiful with a gorgeous mural depicting Midtown Shopping Center many years ago.  The owner’s and staff were all friendly and, of course, Firehouse makes the best subs!  This is a great addition to Ward’s Corner.”

Stop by and welcome Firehouse Subs to Wards Corner!

 

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Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.

TowneBank’s Wards Corner location to open June 12

June 9, 2014
Anna Bowerman, Wards Corner TowneBank manager

Anna Bowerman, Wards Corner TowneBank manager

TowneBank’s newest location will open on Thursday, June 12, 2014 at Wards Corner.  The public is invited to a ribbon cutting ceremony at 9am.  Refreshments will be provided.

The new bank is located in an out-parcel of the newly developed K & K Square shopping center at the southeast corner of Wards Corner.

From the press release:

This new neighborhood branch is located in the Wards Corner shopping center and offers many conveniences. Features include easy-access drive-in banking, a drive-up Towne24 ATM, safe deposit boxes for your family’s valuables, and a warm, family feeling that says ‘you are right at home.’

We look forward to seeing you soon!

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Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.

Liberty Tax coming to Midtown Shopping Center at Wards Corner

June 6, 2014

liberty logo1_fullLiberty Tax is opening a location in the Midtown Shopping Center in Wards Corner.  They plan to be located at the end unit of the shopping center on the E. Little Creek Road side.

The location will include a training center and plans to be open in approximately two months.

Liberty Tax Service is a Virginia Beach-based company specializing in the preparation of tax returns for individuals and small businesses.

Comments Off on Liberty Tax coming to Midtown Shopping Center at Wards Corner | economic development | Tagged: , | Permalink
Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.

Original Mattress Factory coming to Wards Corner

June 5, 2014

TOMFactory logoThe Original Mattress Factory is opening a new location in the Midtown Shopping Center.  It will be located in the spaces between the Radio Shack and the Jackson Hewitt facing E. Little Creek Road.

The Original Mattress Factory is a national brand that has 11 factories, over 100 showrooms and more than 400 employees.  One of those eleven factories is in Virginia Beach.  The Wards Corner store will be a showroom.

The estimated opening date is early Fall 2014.

7 Comments | economic development | Tagged: , | Permalink
Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.

New Norfolk Sam’s Club coming before Planning Commission

May 11, 2014

The new Sam’s Club slated for the old K-Mart location at the intersection of E. Little Creek Road and Tidewater Drive has applied for special exceptions to sell alcohol, to do automobile repair (tire sales and service), and to operate a gas station.

Sam's Club in Norfolk, VA

Sam’s Club in Norfolk, VA

The K-Mart building will be torn down and a new Sams Club building will be located further east than the current K-Mart.  The new building will be angled a bit as compaired to the Wal-Mart located next door.

The gas station will be located at the corner of Tidewater Drive and Central Business Park Drive in front of the Wal-Mart

The  Planning Commission is scheduled to vote on the applications at the May 22, 2014 public hearing.

Proposed facade for new Norfolk Sam's Club

Proposed facade for new Norfolk Sam’s Club

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Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.

Moe’s Southwest Grill opens Thursday at Wards Corner

April 25, 2014

moes-logoMoe’s Southwest Grill opens Thursday, May 1, 2014 at its new Wards Corner location.  The new store is located at the Corner of Granby St and E. Little Creek Road in the new K & K Square shopping center anchored by Harris Teeter.

About Moe’s Southwest Grill, from their website:

Founded in December 2000 in Atlanta, GA, Moe’s Southwest Grill® is a fun and engaging fast-casual restaurant franchise serving a wide variety of fresh, made-to-order Southwest fare in a welcoming environment that rocks.

The first thing you’ll hear when you walk into the restaurant is an enthusiastic, “Welcome to Moe’s! ® ” It’s more than just our rally cry. It embodies the entire culture. Everybody is welcome at Moe’s. Except, of course, fugitives.

With more than 20 incredibly fresh ingredients like all-natural chicken, grass-fed steak and organic tofu to create one-of-a-kind meals, Moe’s has everyone covered, from meat lovers to tree huggers to vegetarians and flexitarians. While we are best known for our awesome burritos, our menu also features kids’, vegetarian and low-calorie options – all served with free chips and salsa.

The only thing we don’t have: microwaves.

From our menu items with fun, pop-culture inspired names like Earmuffs, Wrong Doug, Close Talker and Joey Bag of Donuts to our killer, hand-selected playlist of tunes that pay homage to dearly departed musicians, it’s safe to say we roll to our own beat.

Moe’s currently serves the most awesome Southwest fare at more than 500 locations in the United States and abroad. In August 2007, Moe’s Southwest Grill joined FOCUS Brands Inc. Atlanta-based FOCUS Brands Inc. is the franchisor and operator of over 4,300 Carvel® Ice Cream, Cinnabon® Bakery, Schlotzsky’s® Deli, Moe’s Southwest Grill®, Auntie Anne’s® Pretzels and McAlister’s® Deli locations, as well as the franchisor of Seattle’s Best Coffee® on certain military bases and in certain international markets.

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Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.

The Ballentine to be expanded, renovated

March 24, 2014

 

The Ballentine is an assisted living community at 7211 Granby St.

The Ballentine is an assisted living community at 7211 Granby St.

The Ballentine, an assisted living community located across from the Greek Church on Granby, is embarking on a $2 million renovation and expansion.

Per the contractor’s press release:

Sauer Inc. has won a $2 million contract to renovate and build additions to an assisted living facility in Norfolk, Va.

The Jacksonville contractor will do interior renovations at The Ballentine and build three, two-story additions, a solarium, a nurse’s station, a dining hall, a lounge, an activities room, sitting areas and a conference room, it said in a new release. The work involves 40,000 square feet.

Sauer expects to complete the project in November.

The owner of The Ballentine is Commonwealth Assisted Living, based in Charlottesville, Va. and the architect is The Yates Group of Portsmouth, Va.

Comments Off on The Ballentine to be expanded, renovated | economic development | Tagged: , | Permalink
Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.

Mattress store to replace BP gas station at Wards Corner

March 19, 2014
7600 Granby St to become home of a new mattress store

7600 Granby St to become home of a new mattress store

The BP gas station at the northeast corner of Wards Corner has been on the market for quite some time.  Recently it was rumored that there was a contract to purchase the property.  Various leaks are now confirming that the purchaser plans to build a retail building on the property and the expected tenant is a mattress store.

The likely tenant type was mentioned at the Wards Corner Civic League meeting on Monday night and most comments were negative as there is already a mattress store at Wards Corner.

The property is currently zoned C-3 and will likely not need to be rezoned for the new use.

17 Comments | economic development | Tagged: , | Permalink
Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.

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