A little more than a year after closing its doors, the former location of Toys “R” Us in Bridgeport will have a new tenant. On Wednesday, Community Development Director Andrea Kerr told members of the Bridgeport Development Authority that a massive project will take place at the location at the foot of the Meadowbrook Mall.

 

According to Kerr, the new occupants of the building will be Centerbrach Church, which has a location on Route 20 between Nutter Fort and the Quiet Dell exit on Interstate 79. And this is no small project.

 

Kerr told the board that a building permits for $2.95 million renovation was filed Tuesday at the Bridgeport Municipal Complex to do the work. The contractor handling the work will be City Construction. Omni Associates out of Fairmont is the architect.

 

“They are doing everything from the outside of the building to the entire inside of the building,” said Kerr. “The first floor will have a large amphitheater that will hold 800 to 900 people. That’s where their worship stage will be located. They’re going to have a kids’ stage and kids’ area with classrooms that’s strictly a worship area for kids and a lot more.”

 

For those that didn’t know, the building has an upstairs. It was utilized for storage in the paste. Kerr said the second floor will include classrooms, conference rooms, a kitchenette and offices. It’s considered “a half floor” said Kerr.

 

There should be plenty of room for all the items Kerr mentioned. She told members of the Authority that it encompasses 47,000 square feet.

 

“They plan on getting started next week. It’s their goal to be open for service on Easter,” said Kerr.

 

The property was owned by by Tru 2005 Re I, LLC. True is a subsidiary Toys “R” Us. Multiple groups, including the Meadowbrook Mall, had shown interest in the building and property that has almost immediate access to Interstate 79 and has been on the market for more than a year.

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows the former facade of the Toys "R" Us location in Bridgeport. Bottom photo shows the Bridgeport Development Authority learning of the building's new tenant at Wednesday's meeting.