When you mention that earth is being moved and infrastructure is being put in place for a multi-million million new business going in at White Oaks, you probably figure that you’ve seen it. In this case, however, chances are good that you haven’t.

 

Due to its location, chances are good that you haven’t seen or even noticed the activities of the business in question. The business was recently issued a $2.2 million building permit, according to Bridgeport Community Development Director Randy Spellman.

 

The business in question is for the “White Oaks Assisted Living.” The new business is owned JLLC, Inc. and the contractor that has been getting things going is Petrucci Brothers Construction out of Farmington.

 

“We’re very excited about this,” said John Manchin III of the project he’s heading up. “We love the location that’s out of the way, but not really out of the way.”

 

A big reason for the site not being visible and “out of the way” is that the development pad sits behind several of the professional buildings in the area. Because of that only those closer to the Dominion, Antero and Thrasher buildings have clear view to the site.

 

Plans for the project were received by the city back in November of last year. Omni Architects out of Fairmont designed the building.

 

“This will be a one-story building with 21 beds,” said Spellman. “It’s not a really large building, but it is a stand-alone building. A lot of buildings in that area house more than one business.”

 

The 12,000-plus square foot building will be the first of its type at White Oaks. Already, the development has a diverse collection of businesses and Manchin thinks the location suits the project well.

 

“It’s centrally located with the (United Hospital Center) and the hotels right there that provide the ability for people to visit their loved ones. They can stay overnight at the hotels in the White Oaks district and also have many different dining options and retail options as well.”

 

The permit and the construction comes on the heels of several announcements of new businesses at White Oaks. Earlier this year, officials announced the arrival this summer of Bonnie Belle’s and Hermosilla’s Deli. Work on Bonnie Belle’s, which will maintain its original Nutter Fort location, has already begun.

 

As for when work will be complete and the business will open is unknown. The contact for the project, John Manchin III, could not be reached for comment after multiple attempts. However, Spellman said this is a good project for White Oaks.

 

“In my opinion it’s a unique location in the business park as far as visibility, but this business doesn’t necessarily need the visibility. What is really beneficial is that it’s an assisted living facility that’s located within eyesight of United Hospital Center, which is something I know the owners took into consideration,” Spellman said. “It’s also tucked into the back of the area of the professional business area so the residents of the facility will have a nice view of a wooded area and the natural beauty of the area. I wouldn’t have thought of this type of business originally for White Oaks, but when you think about the proximity to the hospital and the location of the site it makes perfect sense.”

 

Spellman said the zoning of White Oaks allows for this type of business. The business will have an outside courtyards that Manchin said will have a “beautiful view” and also a covered patio area with a vista.

 

With work going fast and if weather cooperates, Manchin thinks he’ll be in operation sooner rather than later. He said he would like to see operations begin around Christmas this year or by the start of the New Year.