The booming development that has been taking place in Bridgeport in 2018 as well as the White Oaks development doesn’t appear to be slowing down. Instead, things are actually picking up in a very big way.

 

Earlier this week, a new business filed for a permit at the Bridgeport Municipal Complex. And it’s a big one.

 

According to Bridgeport Community Development Director Andrea Kerr, a $13.9 million building permit was acquired for White Oaks’ newest entity – The Crossings at Bridgeport.

 

The Crossings is a 90,000 square foot, two-story assisted living facility being done by Smith/Packett out of Charleston, South Carolina. The massive building will feature 110 beds in the assisted living setting that will be created.

 

“I believe, as do many others, the population in Bridgeport is like many in the state and it’s aging a bit,” said Kerr. “We need to have places for these aging populations to live. We certainly don’t want to see people leaving Bridgeport and this is another option for them to remain here in their own space that’s part of an assisted living facility.”

 

The building will be done near the backside of White Oaks as it approaches State Route 131 (Benedum Drive).

 

“We’re expecting them to break ground within the next two weeks,” said Ron Stanley, the managing member of High Tech Corridor Development that oversees the development of White Oaks.

 

March-Westin will be doing contractor duties. Meyer Architect out of Ardmore, Pa., will serve in the architectural role for the facility.

 

“The good news is that the land is ready to go. It’s flattened and the infrastructure is in place,” said Kerr.

 

Stanley said this will likely serve as a jumpstart for the White Oaks Phase II. The Phase II property is on the southbound side of Interstate 79 and is situated from the area where the Dominion and Thrasher Group buildings are down to Route 131 (Benedum Drive) where the two gas stations are located off of the Saltwell Road exit. Several building pads are already set for development to occur and Stanley believes that is what will take place.

 

“This is the first major entity to go as part of Phase II at White Oaks,” Stanley said. “As it is built out, we’re confident you’ll likely see the remaining property begin to fill out quickly with service oriented businesses such as restaurants and other businesses of that nature.

 

“When you add a company of this size it increases visibility to the area and traffic flow,” Stanley continued. “That’s not only good for development purposes, but it’s good for the businesses already in White Oaks as well as Bridgeport and the region.”

 

Kerr agreed.

 

“This is a very substantial addition to the city that will have benefits well beyond the city,” said Kerr.

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows Community Development Director Andrea Kerr,  while the bottom photo  is Phase II of White Oaks and the top parcel of 7.2 acres is where the new business will be located.