The continual frenzy of earth-moving at the White Oaks development is still at full throttle, including site preparation work at two new parcels, Developer Woody Thrasher confirmed.

 

Thrasher said that the work that is clearly visible on two parcels directly bordering the Jerry Dove Drive southbound exit along Interstate 79 are for a project that has already been announced and the other, according to a grading permit filed with the City of Bridgeport, is for retail space.

 

The project announced is the multi-million dollar Hawthorn Suites that became public knowledge in July. Officials involved with that project say they will open in 2015.

 

“I’ve had two or three conversations with (Hawthorn officials) about the project and they’re on the fast track. They’re trying to get at least under roof before the weather turns,” said Bridgeport Community Development Director Randy Spellman. “The fact that they’ve began the earth work this fast after the deal was complete lets you know that they’re serious about going as quickly as possible.”

 

The Green River Group out of Morgantown is doing the grading work. Woody Thrasher of High Tech Corridor – the developers of White Oaks and also the head of the Thrasher Group – said HTC is handling the grading. He also said it made sense to do the prep work for both sites that are contiguous to one another.

 

“Both sites are being graded at the same time, which makes sense when you consider the mobilization of equipment and the fact we hope to have activity on the adjacent site soon,” said Thrasher. “We want to make sure the site is tailor made for Hawthorn Suites and that’s going to happen.”

 

As for the retail that would go on the next site, Thrasher was hesitant to say it was retail for sure. However, the site in question not only has that listed atop the grading permit, but it’s previously been targeted for retail. In fact, the property in that area was previously owned by an outside group.

 

Two years ago, a group out of Florida – Martin O’Boyle’s Commerce Group – announced they would be creating a retail strip in the same location known as “White Oaks Plaza.” O’Boyle told Connect-Bridgeport that ground would be broken it short order, but it never happened. Eventually, the property was acquired again by the developer. At that time, Thrasher said it was a “prime location for development, whether it’s restaurants or office buildings.”

 

“There are a variety of uses that the property in question could be utilized for,” said Thrasher. “Certainly retail is one of those.”

 

The grading permit issue for the lot where the Hawthorn Suites will be located has a cost of $79,000. The grading permit for the lot next to it is for $71,000. Thrasher said as part of the agreement, High Tech Corridor is responsible for the grading and infrastructure work.

 

The acreage being worked on is roughly 5.5 acres, said Thrasher. He said approximately half of that is for Hawthorn, while the rest of the acreage is a lot for future development.

 

“Doing both of those lots at the same time is a good move and a sign that there are probably, at worst, discussions taking place for something to go there,” said Spellman. “It’s also good because of cost savings from having the equipment in place and if there’s any type of cut and fill involved. At a minium, on those two fronts, there’s an advantage based on economy of scale.”

 

Editor's Note: Workers with the Green River Group handle the earth moving,  while Thrasher staff handle survey work on the two parcels at White Oaks directly along the Interstate 79 southbound exit ramp to Jerry Dove Drive.