Two months ago, the developers of Charles Pointe – Genesis Partners – said they were close to finishing the deal to begin earth work for a new, massive stage of at the development known as Charles Pointe Crossing. The work, which a Genesis official said in January could start as soon as the weather breaks, will be for roughly $12 million.

 

Most know that the work is being done for the talked about arrival of Menards, the retail anchor of the new section of development along Interstate 79 that is anticipated to have a price tag of $10 million on its own. The good news is that the city has confirmed what Genesis Partners said in January – the project is moving ahead.

 

Although it’s been just over a year since the project was publicly discussed at a Bridgeport Development Authority meeting, that same forum a year later heard that officials with Menards say it’s all but a done deal. The only drawback, which has been discussed, is 2018 will only see earthwork take place. Work on the actual new Charles Pointe Crossing development will see the breaking of ground in 2019.

 

Last week, at the March 13 meeting of the BDA, Community Development Director Andrea Kerr provided an update on the project. She said she had been in contact with Rodney Wekkin, a real estate representative for Menards, and he confirmed things are progressing.

 

“It’s still on. He told me that the property purchase will take place almost certainly in April, which is his hope,” said Kerr. “They will not break ground this year, but the project is still on.

 

“This is a good sign as this has the possibility to be a significant area of development,” Kerr continued. “(Wekkin) told me via email things have progressed on their site and that they’re working on one last item with the sellers. They hope to have that issue that will lead the way for the eventual property purchase wrapped up by the end of this month.”

 

Menards is a chain of home improvement businesses with locations featured primarily in the Midwestern United States. The privately held company has its home operations in Wisconsin with roughly 300 stores in 14 states. They are just getting started in West Virginia.

 

The company has multiple sections including appliances, bath, doors, electrical, heating and cooling, kitchen, outdoors, paint, tools, hardware and more. Of particular interest may be that Menards actually has a very small grocery store component to it as well that should meet a few of demands of some asking for a type of grocery configuration to be present on that end of Bridgeport.

 

The development to be anchored by Menards is situated in the undeveloped area near Interstate 79’s northbound exit ramp. Stuart said the area to be used involves a 100 acre disturbance netting an area of roughly 67 developable acres. The acreage will front I-79’s northbound lane and be clearly visible from the southbound side as well.

 

The bulk of the work that should start with the earth moving should be clearly visible. The main entrance will be in the area where the steep hillside currently sits opposite the main entrance to Charles Pointe – Genesis Boulevard. Once complete, it will be a four-way intersection as opposed to a three way.

 

Check back to Connect-Bridgeport to see future developments on this multi-million dollar project.

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows the layout of Charles Pointe Crossing, while Andrea Kerr is shown below at this month's Development Authority meeting.