When developer Scott Werdebaugh and co-owner of The Square @ Bridgeport got things going at the former Valley Hills Shopping Plaza, he was hopeful the community he now called home would have a revitalized space with unique businesses.
More than a year and a half after purchasing the property on July 26, 2017, Werdebaugh believes he’s almost there. And he believes the entire plaza will be filled sooner rather than later.
“We’ve got two spaces available, both are end caps,” said Werdebaugh. “One is 3,000 square feet and the other space is 4,000 square feet.
“Right now, most of the interest is where the tobacco shop used to be and, frankly, we should have something in place within the next month as several businesses are looking at it,” said Werdebaugh. “The other location is the former Colours (Inc.) site. We have businesses looking there as well, but not as many. I’m expecting everything, with leases in hand, by July 1.”
Like most developers, Werdebaugh wouldn’t reveal who he’s negotiating with. However, he had no problem talking about the types of businesses looking at the last two spaces – and it’s local, regional and even national.
“It’s a mixture of all of the above, but we want it more local because it’s a town square,” said Werdebaugh. “Typically, national brands want to be closer to the interstate so that’s a little more limited and we’re courting more of the local, regional and even first-time businesses.”
Werdebaugh said one national chain is looking at the Colours location. He said both sides have drawn interest from at least one national brand, while local entities that could open a second or third location and even a business considering a relocation is on its way.
“It’s all types of business, including food, so we’re pleased with who’s looking and who is here. As any developer, we always want to do things quicker, but winter has slowed things down,” he said. “Frankly, we’ve turned down a few that have inquired because we have a dynamic we’re looking to create and we didn’t believe those that inquired fit. We want synergy with our clients and their clients and want people to take pride in their business and their location. That will draw the business we want.”
The most recent addition to the plaza was Fat Tire Cycle & Sport LLC announced plans to open up shop in the coming months. The unique business that already has a location in Upshur County is the exact thing he and co-owner Peter Prokopchuk out of Morgantown (who own the property under the name of Vast Holdings, LLC) were hoping to get.
“I think that was a huge get. It’s a great addition to the community, particularly with the bike trail being planned right out in front of the business along Virginia Avenue,” said Werdebaugh. “The owner worked with Pete, but he let us know was very excited about coming to Bridgeport and that was before he learned about the bike trail.”
After acquisition, Werdebaugh and Prokopchuk talked about plans for a new building at the property just off Main Street and Virginia Avenue. Although it’s not scratched, it’s also not definite.
“It’s in the possible range, but not probable. We spent a good bit of money doing drawings and engineering and things of that nature. We just want to make sure if we proceed the rents aren’t too high as the result of adding a facility. Once what we have is fully filled, Pete and I will look more into detail about where to go next.”
Werdebaugh did say the units would be small ones. He said it would be home to four 1,500 square foot sites, which he said has drawn interest.
“I’m very happy to be investing back into this community and that was the reason behind the town square concept. I think you’ll see us doing more community things there soon, like perhaps a preseason kickoff event for the high school football team in the parking lot … something where we can tie in with the community,” said Werdebaugh. “We want it to be a great place for our tenants to do business, but we also want it to be great for the community and our goal is to make sure we do both.”
Editor's Note: Photos by Ben Queen of www.benqueenphotography.com.
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