For the first time in years, there was major development in the Gabe’s Plaza portion off Thompson Drive as a new building has hosted the arrival of Mountainman Axe Throwing and Fat Angelo’s Pizzeria. Apparently, the early success of those two businesses has led to the building’s owner doing more development on the site.

 

According to City Neon Owner Carol Atkins, a second building is planned to be built this year. She said the plan is to start in the fall.

 

“We’re looking at a two-story, 6,000 square foot building,” said Atkins. “It would be between the existing building and Thompson Drive,” said Atkins.

 

Although nothing is secured as far as tenants are concerned, there is interest from at least one business, she said. She also has plans for what she hopes to do with the rest of the space.

 

“We currently have a coffee shop that is interested in some of the space,” she said. “We’re also considering some flex space where people would have shared common space, a shared conference room, and be able to rent an office space short term, say as law as a year, for a good price.”

 

The building would not just be the flex space concept. Atkins said there would be normal rentals allowed as well.

 

While the fall timeline is more settled, the buildout of the new structure is not. That, according to Atkins, could fluctuate.

 

“We’re looking at six to eight months for the buildout,” she said. “The timeline could also depend on if a tenant would want to occupy space quicker, but we’re looking forward to this next build.”

 

The price for the future project will not be finalized until such time as a permit is filed with the City of Bridgeport, but Atkins said it will be a six-figure project.  As for who will build it, that is already known.

 

“City Neon typically does our own building, but we do sub out work,” Atkins said.

 

Many know City Neon, based in Morgantown, for its work in sign fabrication, installation, and maintenance to businesses. As it has shown with its previous building, City Neon also builds commercial and residential buildings and offers commercial rentals.

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows a file shot of the Gabe's Plaza sign, while the City Neon logo is shown below.