• psst … I’m a Realtor! Thanks for stopping by my website. I would love to help you find your dream home and community in the Hampton Roads or Williamsburg area or to sell your existing home. This website is authored by local resident and REALTOR, John Womeldorf. John is known around town as Mr. Williamsburg, for both his extensive knowledge of Hampton Roads and the historic triangle, and his expertise in the local real estate market. His websites, WilliamsburgsRealEstate.com and Mr Williamsburg.com were created as a resource for folks who are exploring a move to Williamsburg, VA , Hampton Roads VA and the surrounding areas of the Virginia Peninsula. On his website you can search homes for sale , foreclosures, 55+ active adult communities, condos and town homes , land and commercial property for sale in Williamsburg, Yorktown, New Kent, Poquoson, and Gloucester, VA as well as surrounding markets of Carrolton, Chesapeake,Gloucester, Hampton, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth Mathews, Newport News Norfolk, Poquoson, Smithfield, , Suffolk, Surry, Va Beach, Yorktown and York County Virginia You can reach John by email John@MrWilliamsburg.com or phone @ 757-254-813

Village Walk at New Town-Williamsburg VA

 

photo 1Eagle Construction has broken ground on its first project in the Williamsburg VA area.

Village Walk at New Town, located near Trader Joes in the Settlers Market portion of New Town.

Details are still being confirmed but it seems that they are building three level townhomes similar to what they have built in Shire Place and Short West Broad Village in the  Short Pump area of Richmond VA. There will be 107 town homes in this section.

These charming, three story townhomes are the perfect place to call home. Enter through the gracious front door or roomy two-car garage to find a welcoming flex room. Use it as a home office, media room, kid’s hangout — the options are endless and yours to enjoy. On the main floor you’ll find casual elegance galore, with the careful attention to details that makes this home uniquely yours. The spacious eat-in kitchen naturally leads through the sunny dining area to the bright and stylish family living room with french doors to the generous front porch. Upstairs you’ll find generous bedrooms, including the exceptional Master Retreat with walk-in closet.

Shire PlaceThe town homes at Village Walk are Virtually No Maintenance. Homeowners will enjoy the unique neighborhood concept  with charming facades and front porches facing each other across landscaped greenspaces. Brick, stone, shingle and clapboard siding make sure that each home is uniquely stylish. Inside you’ll find large sunny windows and tasteful details waiting for you to personalize to your heart’s content. Whether you prefer warm granite, sleek stainless steel, or glass mosaic tiles, your home becomes a fitting reflection of you, ready to furnish with personal favorites and stylish new buys. Best of all — no outside maintenance so you can enjoy the lush landscaping and architectural detail with no worries or responsibilities.

Map location/ Directions

 

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Psst…I’m a real estate agent.

This post was authored by local resident and REALTOR, John Womeldorf. John is known around town as Mr. Williamsburg, for both his extensive knowledge of the Williamsburg/ Hampton Roads area and  and his expertise in the local real estate market.

I can help you access all the information you will need about choosing a neighborhood and buying a home in New Kent, Gloucester, Newport News, Hampton, York County, Smithfield, Williamsburg, Poquoson or the greater Hampton Roads area, including area information on schools, local government, shopping, activities for the children and more!Whether you have made a decision to relocate, retire or are just considering a move to Williamsburg or  Hampton Roads VA, let me help make your transition or PCS to the  area a smooth and enjoyable one!

Hampton Roads is a transient community due to the large population of military members in the area. I have a unique perspective on relocation and have helped many families move in and out of the area. I understand the kind of support team it takes to make a smooth transition.

 

On my website You can search homes for sale , active adult communities, 55+ communities,condos and townhomes ,foreclosures/ REO,  land, building lots, commercial property  in Williamsburg , Yorktown, New Kent, Gloucester, Poquoson as well as the surrounding areas of Hampton Roads, Virginia

You can reach me by phone at 757-254-8136 or email  John@MrWilliamsburg.com
I look forward to serving your real estate needs!

Best,

John

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New restaurant opening in New Town

Saporni Ristorante Italiano will open in New Town on Monday, July 15, 2013

The opening will feature the work of award-winning artists, Lynn Hosegood, with her Italian watercolors series paintings, and Dorothy Greos’ abstract paintings.

The restaurant will be the second location for owners Giuseppe and Angela Amato, with their sons, Dario and Luca , the other restaurant is in Chester, VA

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The family is from  Carini, a small town on the outskirts of the capital of Sicily. The Amato Family has been in the restaurant business for over 10 years  at their restaurant in Chester.VA and delight in making people feel welcome while enjoying a taste of home.

image"Sapori" is the Italian word for "flavors", and our vision for Sapori is one of authentic, fresh flavors that are a fusion between traditional Sicilian recipes and modern culinary concepts.  Their dishes, most of which come from generations-old family recipes, feature fresh-grown spices from our indoor herb garden. Contrary to the fast-paced world in which we live where prepared foods are full of preservatives and additives, Sapori uses fresh ingredients and handmade sauces as the foundation of it’s flavorful menu. The restaurant shops for local ingredients when in season and display work from local artists to support the community/

Directions

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Construction moving along at Settlers Market in Williamsburg

Construction crews are busy at work on the Settlers Market shopping center in James City County. Once complete it  will feature 250,000 square feet of retail space along with an adjoining residential component located along Settlers Market Boulevard adjacent to the center.

Construction crews are busy at work on the Settlers Market shopping center in James City County. Once complete it  will feature 250,000 square feet of retail space along with an adjoining residential component located along Settlers Market Boulevard adjacent to the center.

At this point a Spring 2013 opening is planned for the new Stein Mart, HomeGoods ,ULTA Michaels,Dress Barn, Five Below and Shoe Carnival stores.

They will join the existing Trader Joes, Bakers Crust, AT&T,Sleepy’s Long & Foster Real Estate, BB&T Bank as well as a “Wal Mart Neighborhood Market” grocery store that is on track to start construction soon.

The center is being developed by FCP and its partner, Westmoreland Partners,who are represented in retail leasing by the Norfolk office of The Shopping Center Group.

 

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Settlers Market  was acquired by Federal Capital Partners and Westmoreland Partners earlier this year for $13.25 million from Union Bank who foreclosed on the property in Feb 2011

The original owner/ developer was AIG Baker who had originally obtained a $55.5 million note to develop the property with a 350,000-square-foot combination of upscale retail, office and residential space. AIG Baker’s plans  ground to a halt in 2008 with the downturn in the economy

Settlers Market is located at the intersection of Rt 199 and Monticello Avenue and is the gateway for the New Town Master Plan Development Corridor.

The acquisition was the second FCP transaction with Howard Biel and Drew Gorman of WML since the company announced an alliance with the retail veterans in fall 2010. The alliance focuses on purchasing development and redevelopment opportunities, notes on troubled assets and existing income-producing retail assets throughout the Mid-Atlantic.
"Settler’s Market … was in need of a new owner, developer, capital and vision to complete the center," said FCP Managing Partner, Esko Korhonen. "We had the opportunity to purchase the site at a significant discount to in-place cost and will be working closely with representative agencies of James City County and the New Town Associates Design and Review Board to revisit the current site plan so that the project can maximize its potential."

Read more about New Town here

 

settlers market siteplan

Psst. I’m a real estate agent…

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This post is brought to you by local resident and REALTOR, John Womeldorf, known around town as “Mr. Williamsburg” because of his extensive knowledge of the Williamsburg/Hampton Roads area and its real estate market. If you are relocating, retiring, seeking a vacation home, or simply curious about homes and neighborhoods in the Williamsburg/Hampton Roads area, John is happy to help. Click here to send him an email, or call him at 757-254-8136.  

Neighborhood Orientation Tours

Are the schools good? How is the traffic? Can you hear planes from nearby airports? Where is the closest grocery store?

It can be daunting to get all the information you need to choose not only the right house, but also the right neighborhood. Schedule one of John’s Neighborhood Orientation tours of communities in the Williamsburg/Hampton Roads area to get such essentials as:

home prices – shopping centers – military bases – recreational facilities – public and private schools – public transportation – aircraft/traffic noise – high potential accident zones – flood zones – playgrounds – major traffic patterns and commute times

Click here to email John about arranging a tour, or call him at 757-254-8136.  

Are You A Military Family?

PCS’ing to Williamsburg/Hampton Roads ? the area is home to many military families. John is experienced in helping them with the unique issues raised by frequent relocations, and he understands the kind of support team it takes to make smooth transitions both into and out of the area. Click here to email John about your needs and concerns, or call him at 757-254-8136.  

Specific Needs Properties

Active Adults/55+ Communities, Golfing Communities, Building Lots, Foreclosure/REO Properties, Townhomes, Condominiums, Waterfront, Walk able, Horse Properties and more….

If you have a specific type of property in mind, John can help you find it. For assistance in unearthing just the right property in the Williamsburg/Hampton Road area, click here to contact John by email, or call him at 757-254-8136.

Wal Mart breaking ground soon for Neighborhood Market in New Town/ Settlers Market

Wal-Mart is nearly ready to break ground on its Neighborhood Market off Monticello Avenue.

"We don’t have a certain grand opening date yet," said spokesman William Wertz. "We hope to start construction shortly after the new year. We’re going through the final phases of getting all the permits in order."

The new 41,785-square-foot grocery store will be the latest addition at Settler’s Market, which has restarted construction after building ceased and the site was auctioned a few years ago.

Wal-Mart dodged those troubles. It bought the eight-acre property at the corner of Monticello and Route 199 for $6 million in 2008, separately from Settler’s Market, and has been quietly sitting on its plans. This year, the company received approvals from New Town’s Design Review Board and the county’s Planning Commission Design Review Committee to move ahead.

Unlike the  Wal-Mart’s, this store is mostly a grocery and will not carry clothing. Along with regular produce, it will carry locally grown produce as well as having a deli and a bakery

More of the story here in the VA Gazette

Read more about New Town here

Location map for Wal Mart Neighborhood Market in New Town

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Holiday skating at New Town rink

Well,. its no Rockefeller Center but Williamsburg’s first outdoor Skating Rink opens in  New Town, this Friday Nov 23rd at noon.

Presented by Iron-Bound Gym in partnership with James City County and New Town the synthetic rink will be open seven days a week until  January 13th, 2013.

Skating is $7/person including skate rental or $5/person with your own skates. All participants must wear ice skates. Season passes are also available for $50/person and include skates. Children under age 12 must be accompanied and supervised by an adult at all times.

Well,. its no Rockefeller Center but Williamsburg's first outdoor Skating Rink opens in  New Town, this Friday Nov 23rd at noon.

See below for more specifics….

So “Does it look like real ice?”  from a distance it looks like the real thing, Up close, the plastic panels appear snapped together like puzzle pieces.

So what’s it like to skate on synthetic ice ? While I am not a skater bit it felt  hard to move your feet. It didn’t feel as slippery as real ice so you can’t go as fast. which is probably a good thing. When you stop moving your feet you stop moving, so you don’t have that overwhelming slipping feeling.

No one claims it exactly replicates ice. There’s a resistance. You’re actually pushing off and stroking harder. I am told the surface is good for training because beginners become “stronger at a faster rate.

The rink uses a plastic polymer injected with oils that are released “when the blade heats up and melts the top layer of the polymer. It should become slipperier as more people skate it.

. “You really need a large amount of people on there to get the oils worked around,” she said. “It’s not ice, obviously.”

Well,. its no Rockefeller Center but Williamsburg's first outdoor Skating Rink opens in  New Town, this Friday Nov 23rd at noon.

Ice Skating is coming to New Town

Ironbound Gym, Town Management and James City County are partnering on ice this holiday season! The team is offering citizens and visitors another family-friendly recreational opportunity in New Town, a synthetic ice skating rink in Sullivan Square. The rink opens daily after Thanksgiving, Nov. 23 through Jan.13. There are weekday, weekend and winter break hours. The rink is closed on Christmas Day, Dec. 25. Skating is $7/person including skate rental or $5/person with your own skates. Season passes are also available for $50 and include skates. Sullivan Square is located behind Legacy Hall in New Town, 4301 New Town Ave.

The rink opens daily, Nov. 23 through Jan. 13. There are weekday, weekend and winter break hours.

imageSkating is conducted in sessions: 10-11:30 a.m., noon-1:30 p.m., 2-3:30 p.m., 4-5:30 p.m., 6-7:30 p.m. and 8-9:30 p.m. Operation hours may be adjusted based on weather conditions, participation numbers and special events. Children aged 11 and younger must be accompanied and supervised by an adult at all times. All participants must wear skates.

The skate rink surface is made of an EZ Glide 350 synthetic ice surface, offering a smooth surface suitable for skaters of all ages and abilities.

For more information on skating, please call the JCC Park Office at 757-259-5360 or check the website

2012 –2013 Hours Nov. 23–Dec. 20, Weekdays: 4-9:30 p.m., Saturday: 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m., Sunday: noon-7:30 p.m.

Winter Break, Dec. 21-Jan. 1, Weekdays: noon-9:30 p.m., Saturday: 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m., Sunday: noon-7:30 p.m.

Christmas Eve, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Christmas Day, Closed

Weekends Only, Jan. 4-13, Saturday: 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m., Sunday: noon-7:30 p.m.
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Ice Rink Skating Into New Town in Williamsburg

James City County is going to have a white Christmas even if there’s no snow.

The County  is currently collecting bids to set up a synthetic ice rink in New Town this winter.

"The goal is to provide a healthy, safe and enjoyable family activity for local residents and visitors, imageand increase visitation to the retail businesses and restaurants in the area during the holiday season," the bid solicitation explains.

The county budgeted $95,000 for the rink, which will located at Sullivan Square. They’re not alone in the venture. Iron-Bound Gym committed sponsorship funds even before the budget was released and proposed to the Board of Supervisors this spring.

New Town Management is also collecting donations from various businesses throughout the mixed-use development and helping organize events, sales, decorations and marketing.

Read more of the story here

Neighborhood Pool opens in New Town

GREAT NEWS for New Town residents. The neighborhood pool in New Town pool has passed all inspections and is now open for regular use. The pool is a 25 meter six lane pool with a zero entry splash area for kids.

The New Town pool is open now through September 30, 2012, including Labor Day, except Tuesdays. Hours are 11 am to 7 pm on Saturday and Sunday; noon-8pm Monday-Friday. The pool will be closed on Tuesdays. pool in new town

If you don’t already know, the pool is located in the Charlotte Park neighborhood at the intersection of Elizabeth Davis and Center Street.

Decisions about operating hours and dates for 2013 season have not yet been made. Stay tuned for further updates.

pool shower building in new town
zero entry splash area at new town pool

pool with bathhouse view in new town

Map location of the New Town Pool

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Pool Pass Info for New Town Pool

In order to use the pool, you will need to purchase a pool pass at the Town Management offices from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday-Friday, until the pool closes for the season.  Passes must be purchased in advance. They are not available for purchase at the pool or on weekends.

Town Management Address:

4801 Courthouse St.,#128
Williamsburg, VA 23188

Town Management Phone Number: 757-565-6200

1. Passes are available only to owners of residential property in both the New Town Residential Association (NTRA) and the New Town Commercial Association (NTCA), and their authorized tenants.

2. Passes are NOT available to commercial property owners, and NOT available to guests or to unknown tenants or to people outside of New Town.

New Town is Williamsburg and James City Counties vibrant 365-acre community where people play, work and live. With more than 170 shops and restaurants to choose from, a host of service businesses and a charming main street.

Features Of New Town include:

A 64-acre Discovery Business Park perfect for linking new and existing businesses with the students, faculty and research-and-development power of The College of William & Mary.

Medical and Dental offices

Legal, Accounting, and other professional firms

Banks, Credit Unions, and other financial institutions

City & County Courthouse, US Post Office, and other government offices

A variety of walking and biking trails linking the entire community.

Parks and lots of inviting green space.

A nationally recognized pre-school in the community, close to home.

More than 300,000 square feet of shops, restaurants, entertainment, and more!

Open Air Main Street Shopping District

A 12 screen movie theater

More than a dozen restaurants from quick eating spots to the best fine dining in the region

Salons, fitness centers, day spas, and other personal services

Once complete the residential areas of New Town will comprise approximately 1,000 porch and traditional homes, garden apartments, town & carriage homes, condominiums, and live-work loft condos all designed within a street grid pattern to foster community interaction.

Housing choices in New Town include Charlotte Park ,New Town’s newest neighborhood of single family detached homes on tree-lined streets, all with front porches, and many options and floor plans to select from. Each home will overlook a green space or park, while alleys allow access to the rear of the homes and to the two-car detached garages. The neighborhood swimming pool is only a short walking path away. Home interiors offer such upscale amenities as  hardwood floors and granite countertops. Cascades of natural light from many windows, and high ceilings are a few of the many architect-inspired innovations that contribute to the ambiance.

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Condominium Choices in New Town include Bennington on the Park and Foundation Square as well as a small number of Condos Over the Green Leafe Café and  Center Street Restaurant.

Foundation Square’s condominiums,start in the $230’s with Exclusive underground parking included. Peace of mind with condo’s low maintenance and
controlled access. Single level living means no stairs and there is a dedicated generator provides power to elevators in case of a power outage.
Stand features at Foundation Square include granite counters, stainless appliances, tiled baths, custom solid adjustable shelving in the closets, private balconies- some with park views, elegant crown molding and so much more!

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The Bennington condominiums offer one-level living in the Heart of New Town. Amenities include a fully secured building with reserved and covered parking, elevator service to all floors, and private fitness facilities. The building has 40 upscale residences ranging in size from 950 sq. ft.(1 bedroom) to 1600 sq. ft.(3 bedroom); many of the condos have dens. The main level features a fitness workout facility & private storage. Every condominium has at least one patio/balcony, and more than half have stunning views of Sullivan Square Park.The upscale finished include  granite countertops in the kitchen, hardwood in the foyers, 12 inch tile in the bathrooms, and solid-core doors.

bennington condos in new town williamsburg

 

Town Home Choices in New Town

The Townhomes at Abbey Commons offer 2 and 3 level designs, some featuring private courtyards, balconies, side porches, spacious kitchens and inviting formal areas.Some units offer first floor master bedrooms but the majority have second floor masters. A number of the town homes have finished rooms over the detached garages that make wonderful guest suites, man caves or artist studios

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Chelsea Green townhomes offer a combination of smart, thoughtfully planned residences. Choose from five innovative plans. The tri-level designs offer open, transitional living spaces with a long list of distinctive features. *Second-level kitchen and living area *First floor bonus space in select plans, ideal for your home office *Plentiful natural light throughout *Decks overlooking streetscape *Alley-loaded, two car garages.

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Savannah Square:These brownstone-inspired townhomes with wide open spaces for living and dining areas,offer 2 to 3 bedrooms, and optional third-floor ‘retreats.’ Add to these deluxe features oversized garages attached and tucked under. This is luxury townhome living!

New Town, Williamsurg, VA 010

Read more about housing options in New Town here

 

bannerpsst … I’m a Realtor! Thanks for stopping by my website. I  would love to help you find your dream home and community in the Hampton Roads or Williamsburg areas of Virginia or to sell your existing home.

This post was authored by local resident and REALTOR, John Womeldorf. John is known around town as Mr. Williamsburg, for both his extensive knowledge of the Williamsburg/ Hampton Roads area and  and his expertise in the local real estate market.

His websites, WilliamsburgsRealEstate.com and Mr Williamsburg.com were created as a resource for folks who are exploring a move to Williamsburg, VA , Hampton Roads VA and the  surrounding areas of the Virginia Peninsula.

Here you can search homes for sale , active adult communities, 55+ communities, condos and townhomes , foreclosures/ REOland, building lots, commercial property  in Williamsburg , Yorktown, New Kent, Gloucester, Poquoson as well as the surrounding areas of Hampton Roads, Virginia
You can reach John by phone at 757-254-8136 or email him atJohn@MrWilliamsburg.com

I look forward to serving your real estate needs!

Best,

John

Settlers Market Announces New Additions To Stores.

imageAs I reported back on Oct 15th a number of leases have been signed for the Settlers Market.  The new owner of the center, Federal Capital Partners has  announced additional lease agreements to bring four additional anchor tenants to Settlers Market, one of the most prominent planned development sites in Williamsburg and the gateway to the New Town Master Planned Development Corridor.

imageStein Mart, HomeGoods and ULTA recently signed leases to open their doors along the Monticello Avenue corridor, Williamsburg’s now dominant retail hotbed. Stein Mart signed a lease for 30,000 square feet at the north end of the center adjacent to ULTA, which in turn signed for 10,000 square feet. A 25,000-square foot HomeGoods store is planned for the anchor space adjacent to Michaels, which had re-committed to the shopping center program earlier this year.

HomeGoods is an off-price home fashions store, providing a selection of high—quality, unique home fashions, including brand and designer name merchandise at discount price. The stores offer an ever-changing selection of unique items from kitchen essentials, rugs, lighting, bedding, bath to a wide range of furniture and appliances.

imageUlta Salon is a chain of beauty superstores in the United States. Each store is outfitted with a full-service salon as well. Ulta carries a variety of cosmetics and  skincare brands, men’s and women’s fragrances, and hair care products.

These category leaders will anchor the next phase of retail development slated to be completed by fall 2012, with a construction start expected in early 2012. In addition to the new anchors, a lease has been signed with Sleepy’s Mattress for the entire 7,300-square foot retail building fronting Monticello Ave.

Plans are still in the works for the residential component of Settlers Market. According to the developer they are exploring the market to see what would suit the area best. What would you like to see at Settlers Market ? I think an area of one level patio type attached villa / condos  would be perfect. Of course you can’t build as many but a product like that in a walk-able environment, close to everything !

imageWhen fully developed, Settlers Market shopping center will feature 250,000 square feet of well merchandised retail space with  planned residential townhomes located along Settlers Market Boulevard adjacent to the center. FCP and its partner, Westmoreland Partners, are represented in retail leasing by the Norfolk office of The Shopping Center Group.

Read more about New Town here

Site plan for Settlers Market

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Like what you are reading ? Want to receive updates by email in the future ?

Sign up here 

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psst … I’m a Realtor! Thanks for stopping by my website. I  would love to help you find your dream home and community in the Hampton Roads or Williamsburg area or to sell your existing home.

This post was authored by local resident and REALTOR, John Womeldorf. John is known around town as Mr. Williamsburg, for both his extensive knowledge of Hampton Roads and the historic triangle, and his expertise in the local real estate market. His websites, WilliamsburgsRealEstate.com  and Mr Williamsburg.com were created as a resource for folks who are exploring a move to  Williamsburg, VA , Hampton Roads VA and the  surrounding areas of the Virginia Peninsula.

On his website you can search homes for sale , foreclosures, 55+ active adult communities,   condos and town homes , land and commercial property for sale in Williamsburg, Yorktown, New KentPoquoson, and Gloucester, VA as well as surrounding markets of Carrolton,  Chesapeake,Gloucester, Hampton, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth  Mathews, Newport News Norfolk, Poquoson, Smithfield, , Suffolk, Surry,  Va Beach, Yorktown  and York County Virginia

You can reach John by email John@MrWilliamsburg.com

or phone @  757-254-8136

Veterans Day Tribute in New Town-Williamsburg VA 2011

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November 11-Friday

  • Veterans Tribute Bell Breakout Ceremony (8-9 a.m.). Watch the Veteran’s Tribute Bell broken out of its mold & then transformed into a beautiful bell signifying freedom and sacrifice.
  • Veterans Tribute Bell Tower Dedication (1:30-3 p.m.). This is a time in which we dedicate the Bell Tower honoring our Veterans for their selfless service to our Nation.

November 12-Saturday

  • Drill and Ceremony (8:45-9:15 a.m.) Be entertained by the Army’s Old Guard’s Fife and Drum Corps and Coast Guard’s Silent Drill Team in a special public performance.
  • Virginia Veterans Tribute Parade in New Town (10 a.m.-12 p.m.). A military-style parade through New Town with something in it for everyone with you cheering them on! Participants include elements from ROTC, Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Guard and Reserves; along with Color Guards, Old Guard’s (President’s Own) and Colonial Williamsburg’s Fife and Drums Corps, VFW, American Legion, Disabled Veterans and other patriotic organizations complete with a fly over from vintage aircraft. William and Mary Football (12:00-3:00 p.m.) William and Mary vs. Old Dominion University football game
  • Taste of New Town for Veterans and a music Tribute to the Troops (12pm – 6pm). Enjoy great cuisine and listen to a great blend of music from local bands which will have you stomping your feet! In Sullivan Square behind Legacy Hall in New Town
  • Red, White and Blue Tribute to our Troops Fireworks by Pyrotecnico (6:30-6:40 p.m.), Sullivan Square, behind Legacy Hall in New Town. We hope to see the Williamsburg community and all of Virginia’s citizens come out for the weekend events to both celebrate and support our deserved Veterans.

A locally organized Veterans coalition is responsible for the publicity, events, design, and scheduling of these Veterans Day related activities. New Town is proud to support these efforts and share this information

Find more Veterans Day activities in the Williamsburg VA area

Read more about New Town here

Steinmart to Relocate to Settlers Market

The leasing agents for the new owners of Settlers Market have had a busy month.

Their biggest tenant is sadly another area relocation, Steinmart, currently in the Williamsburg Shopping Center  will be moving to Settlers Market in late 2012

imageOther new tenants include, Michael’s Arts and Crafts,   Long and Foster Real Estate who will consolidate their two local offices and move into the space next to to Bakers Crust and Sleepys, yet another mattress store.

They will join Trader Joe’s Market,  Baker’s Crust restaurant, an AT&T store and BB&T bank .

Wal-Mart still retains one parcel, for its Neighborhood Market  store.

Settlers Market  was acquired by Federal Capital Partners and Westmoreland Partners earlier this year for $13.25 million from Union Bank who foreclosed on the property in Feb 2011

The original owner/ developer was AIG Baker who had originally obtained a $55.5 million note to develop the property with a 350,000-square-foot combination of upscale retail, office and residential space. AIG Baker’s plans  ground to a halt in 2008 with the downturn in the economy

Settlers Market is located at the intersection of Rt 199 and Monticello Avenue and is the gateway for the New Town Master Plan Development Corridor.

The acquisition is the second FCP transaction with Howard Biel and Drew Gorman of WML since the company announced an alliance with the retail veterans in fall 2010. The alliance focuses on purchasing development and redevelopment opportunities, notes on troubled assets and existing income-producing retail assets throughout the Mid-Atlantic.
"Settler’s Market … was in need of a new owner, developer, capital and vision to complete the center," said FCP Managing Partner, Esko Korhonen. "We had the opportunity to purchase the site at a significant discount to in-place cost and will be working closely with representative agencies of James City County and the New Town Associates Design and Review Board to revisit the current site plan so that the project can maximize its potential."

 

Grubb-Ellis the previous leasing agent for the property has negotiated leases for  Michael’s, Home Goods, Stein Mart and other small tenants way back in 2007

 

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Tell New Town what you think !

This time it’s working. Click below and tell us what you think. We want to make "New Town YOUR Town!"  please take a minute and complete this brief survey. NT_ConsumerEblast_8

Make New Town-Your Town

New Town in Williamsburg VA wants your opinion. They have hired the Howell Creative Group to oversee, guide, direct and  assist the marketing for New Town in 2010.

 NT_ConsumerEblast_8 As their first assignment Howell is out to see what people think about New Town in the hopes of making New Town “ Your Town”

To that end they are asking everyone to take a short survey and express your thoughts about New Town. Your opinion counts. You will also have a chance at winning a prize just for taking the survey. Hey, bribery works for me.

Although its not online yet check this link in a few days and take the survey. Pass it around to others you know and ask them to take it.

newtownlogo.jpegSurvey deadline is January 10th, 2010.

disclaimer: I work in New Town and think its a great place to live, eat, work, shop and spend time.

Charlotte Park in New Town in Williamsburg, VA now offers detached homes..

Charlotte Park is the newest neighborhood to be announced in New Town  in Williamsburg VA.
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charlotte park cottage

01grayfeaturedThis is a first-of-its-kind neighborhood for New Town. All previous neighborhoods in New Town ( Abbey Commons, Savannah Square, Chelsea Green have been attached/ town home neighborhoods. Home designs offered for the  detached single-family homes  will evoke the charm and allure of South Carolina’s coastal Low-country. The designs feature deep porches, steep pitched roofs, wide overhangs and dormers  in the true Southern tradition. Interiors are spacious, well lighted with plenty of windows, and just perfect for living family-style with hardwood floors and high ceilings.

UPDATE December 2011 

Nine detached homes are completed with four currently under contract and being built in Charlotte Park. . In the last 12 months, ( WMLS)  34 homes have sold in New Town .  This includes sales in Abbey Commons, Savannah Green, Foundation Square Condos and Bennington on the Green Condos. Nine. homes, town homes and condos are currently under contract making New Town neighborhood one of the most active in the Williamsburg VA/ James City County real estate market. As of today there are 33 active listings in New Town.

Oct 2010
Charlotte Park, New Town’s one and only neighborhood of detached, single-family homes is a certified success  Before the model home has even opened, four homes are already under contract. What’s the secret to this success? It’s a concept of going back home, back to the neighborhood, back to the rocker on the front porch, back to good old low country living where lemonade is a beverage of choice, neighbors have names, and kids have a yard to play in. Goodbye, MacMansion. Hello, Home Sweet Home.

Charlotte Park is a neighborhood of single family homes on tree-lined streets, all with front porches, and many options and floor plans to select from. Each home will overlook a green space or park, while alleys allow access to the rear of the homes and to the two-car garages. The neighborhood swimming pool, a walking path away, should be completed soon. Interiors offer such upscale amenities such as hardwood floors, granite countertops, cascades of natural light from many windows, and high ceilings are a few of the many architect-inspired innovations to contribute to the ambiance.

WMake New Twn Your Town, Williamsburg VAatch a short video showcasing the New Town area of Williamsburg VA

When completed, Charlotte Park will be a neighborhood of approximately 150 homes on tree-lined streets, all with front porches, and many options and floor plans to select from. Each home will overlook a green space or park, while alleys allow access to the rear of the homes their two-car garages. The neighborhood swimming pool, a walking path away, should be completed by summer 2012.

Interiors of the Charlotte Park homes offer such upscale amenities as hardwood floors, granite countertops, cascades of natural light from many windows, and high ceilings.

And the best amenity is that there’s absolutely no yard maintenance! Sell your lawn mower! What makes Charlotte Park so special and so in demand? The current homes under construction are designed by local architect Bob Magoon and the esteemed firm Allison Ramsey Architects, whose portfolio is an obvious call to action for more down home comfort and low maintenance. In the words of the architect, “We believe in making the spaces fit the family, rather than making the family fit into the spaces… in connecting indoors to the outdoors.”

Let’s take a tour. The Coosaw River Cottage offers  three or four bedrooms with a Master Suite on the first floor, an open and casual floor plan, an inviting front porch that longs for rocking chairs and swings, and an optional private screened rear porch are just a few of the many amenities that make The Coosaw a popular choice for young families as well as down-sizers.

Another home design is The Broad River Cottage. It has livability appeal galore with nine- or ten-foot ceilings, eight-foot deep porches, an open and very user-friendly floor plan, and a large rear deck perfect for entertaining.

This is a completely new style of home design for the Williamsburg area. It evokes a truly Southern essence, borrowed from the low country living of Virginia and North Carolina.

Albany

Each of the  homes will overlook  green spaces or park with large shade trees. The garages will be accessed by back alleys so no ugly garage doors will have to be seen from the front.

Phase 1 of Charlotte Park will feature 22 home sites. The homes will range in size from 1,500 sq. ft. to 3,500 sq. ft., and will have walking trails connecting the neighborhood to everything New Town has to offer. As with all of the other homes in New Town all yards and green spaces are maintenance free. Feeing you from the drudgery of yard-work. As of November 2011 prices  are starting in the $330,000’s .

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Construction of the pool and clubhouse for New Town will hopefully be completed by next summer
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Cottage in New Town, Williamsburg VA

New Town includes mixed-use development, traditional neighborhood design, and pedestrian friendly attributes, as it seeks to recreate the sociable traits of places built 70 to 100 years ago. With these traits in mind, New Town homes sit close to the street and incorporate front porches and balconies to encourage interaction among residents. The community includes homes, apartments, commercial and retail space, along with a small private school and several town green spaces.

New Town has fully embraced the idea of “new urbanism”, where neighborhoods are designed to be diverse, accessible, safe, and self-sustaining. Careful planning and development integrates residential, commercial and green space, enabling residents to live in a pedestrian setting, and live, work and play right within their own community.

Green parks, trails and open spaces surround the condos, apartments, and townhomes and soon to be built detached homes in New Town. Walking trails will allow residents plenty of places to jog, walk and bike.

Click here to search DETACHED HOMES FOR SALE IN NEW TOWN

Click here to Search all Town Homes, Condos, and detached homes for sale in New Town

read more about real estate in New Town here 

Aerial View of New Town

Aerial Photo of New Town , Williamsburg VA

Location map of New Town:

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john_circle-449-2 This post was authored by local resident and REALTOR, John Womeldorf.  John is known around town as Mr. Williamsburg, for both his extensive knowledge of Hampton Roads and the historic triangle, and his expertise in the local real estate market.  His websites, www.WilliamsburgsRealEstate.com  and   www.MrWilliamsburg.com, were created as  comprehensive resources about living in Williamsburg and Hampton Roads, with the hopes of selling a house now and again.  You can reach him at 757.254.8136 or John@MrWilliamsburg.com.

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Another Huge Developer Foreclosure in Williamsburg, VA

UPDATE- January /2009

The foreclosure was postponed in late September, however. At the time, substitute trustee Peter Zemanian postponed the scheduled sale “to facilitate discussions that are ongoing among the lender and property owner

With negotiations over, the auction has been rescheduled for 11 a.m. Feb. 5 at the Williamsburg-James City County Courthouse.
The owner is in default of a $55 million loan and owes at least $68,823 in back taxes on the four properties that make up the tract, according to documents provided by Zemanian.
A $100,000 deposit is required to bid on the land.

Terms of the foreclosure sale require the buyer to honor the terms of those businesses’ leases. The land itself is in foreclosure, not the individual businesses operating within the shopping center.

 

Will Settlers Market in New Town become the next Marquis debacle ?

According to a notice in a local newspaper there is a foreclosure sale scheduled for the land and property currently owned by AIG Baker Williamsburg LLC. The sale will not affect the operation of Trader Joes , Bakers Trust or BB& T Bank . Nor will it have an effect on the leases already signed by Michaels Arts and Crafts which haven’t yet started construction. It had been rumored that Home Goods and Steinmart had signed leases in Settlers Market. No mention of those stores either.

Plans for the Wal Mart Neighborhood Market, an upscale boutique market seem to be up in the air. A chief plan examiner for the James City County Codes Compliance office, said Friday that while Wal-Mart had applied for a building permit the company had not followed through to actually obtain it.

Wal-Mart originally applied for the building permit for the proposed 40,000-square-foot store in February 2008. If built as planned it would be more than three times the size of Trader Joe’s.  It seems that Wal Mart was released from the deed of trust.

settlersmarketwiliamsburgva Settler’s Market was designed as a  mixed use center with a proposed 350,000 square feet of retail and office along with 210 residential ( Condos) flats and townhouses. So far the only businesses to open have been Trader Joes, BB&T Bank and Bakers Crust restaurant.

The center is located at the northeast intersection of Highway 199 and Monticello Avenue within the New Town Master Plan Development corridor, there are connecting roads and walking trails into New Town.

The property in questions as a combined assessed value of approximately $16 million dollars and is about 42 acres in total area.

The lender on a nearly $55.5 million note has declared the loan in default. The appointed trustee for the lender indicated the loan balance is far below the $55.5 million on the original note.

Five properties currently leased at Settler’s Market are specifically mentioned in a trustee’s sale legal notice as being obligations any successful buyer must honor. They include three already open businesses: Baker’s Crust, a popular southside chain that opened in May; Trader Joe’s and BB&T Bank. Also with signed and protected leases are Cingular Wireless and Michael’s Arts and Crafts, which have not opened.

The property  includes several shell buildings that appear on the verge of occupancy, there is little else at the development. A paved road, complete with decorative street lights and curbs, bends through acres of cleared property. An on-site sales office sits idle for the proposed condo units . This office was closed months ago.

It’s interesting to note that the developer  AIG Baker in their sales brochure was touting a projected  increase in population in James City County of  94% by 2025.

The developer behind Birmingham-based AIG Baker has indicated that the  company’s fortunes are not tied to teetering insurance giant American International Group Inc.

AIG Baker is not a subsidiary of New York-based AIG, though the insurer’s global real estate division is a longtime investor in AIG Baker.

The Federal Reserve has orchestrated what amounts to an $85 billion takeover of AIG to prevent the world’s largest insurer from a bankruptcy filing that could have disrupted global financial markets.

AIG formed a joint venture with then-AB Shopping Center Properties Inc. in 1993. AIG has provided some financing on the front end of projects according to company representatives. The company has projects under way in Alabama New Jersey, Virginia and Texas.

Unless a workout is accomplished with the current lender the sale is scheduled to occur on Monday October 5, 2009 at the Williamsburg and James City County Circuit Court Building.

Stay tuned for further updates

,image Map of Settlers Market, Williamsburg VA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 View Settlers Market in a larger map

 

 

5395 This post was authored by local resident and REALTOR, John Womeldorf.  John is known around town as Mr. Williamsburg, for both his extensive knowledge of Hampton Roads and the historic triangle, and his expertise in the local real estate market.  His websites, www.WilliamsburgsRealEstate.com  and   www.MrWilliamsburg.com, were created as a comprehensive resource about living in Williamsburg and Hampton Roads, with the hopes of selling a house now and again.  You can reach him at 757.254.8136 or John@MrWilliamsburg.com.

Williamsburg VA Trolley

New Town Trolley The Williamsburg trolley is your new, inexpensive means of connection to your favorite restaurants, the New Town movie theater, shopping extravaganzas in New Town’s many stores and boutiques, and above all a fun and carefree way to get where you’re going in no time at all.

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New Town Williamsburg VA- Detached Homes Unveiled.

The developers of New Town have announced the availability of  The very first detached homes to be built in the New Town TND community in Williamsburg, VA.

The homes are designed by Wayne “ Cooter” Ramsey with Allison Ramsey Architects, a talented and energetic team of designers with diverse experience and expertise.

The first home offered is the Eden Model , part of the  Carolina Inspirations series of homes. A collection of house plans that celebrates traditional Southern architecture.

Allison Ramsey Architects was founded in Beaufort, South Carolina, in 1992. Bill Allison and Cooter Ramsey have built a reputation for designing homes crafted of timeless materials and classic architectural elements for traditional neighborhood developments.

Here is a photo and floor plan for the Eden Model to be built in New Town.

Prices start in the high $400’s. Lot sizes average .19 acres with many of the lots backing up to woods. Smaller models maybe available in the future.

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Eden Floor Plan New Town

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Another detached home is now available in New Town, Williamsburg VA. This model is the Humboldt Plan designed by Shapiro and Co Architects, an architectural firm with offices in Memphis and Nashville. Under the leadership of the founder Brad Shapiro and Senior Associate Dennis Mitchell, the firm’s portfolio has grown to include Custom Residential, Multi-Family and Traditional Neighborhood Development throughout the United States.

The Humboldt offers 2239 Square feet of living space with 3 bedrooms all on the second floor , 2 and a half baths, living room, family room and a library.

Here is a floor plan of the new Humboldt detached home now available to be built in New Town. Elevation A is the first to be offered.

humboldtnewtownwilliamsburg

Shapiro and Company architects are currently designing the following:

High-end Custom Residences and Architectural Interior projects in LaPorte, Indiana; Boulder, Colorado, and several throughout the Mid-South.

Multi-Family Communities in Nashville, Tennessee and Oxford, Mississippi.

Traditional Neighborhood Developments:

Gateway Village, Franklin, Tennessee
Kennesaw Farms, Gallatin, Tennessee
Rivertown on the Island, downtown Memphis – a 200 unit condominium project along the Mississippi River

 

This post was authored by local resident and REALTOR, John Womeldorf.  John is known around town as Mr. Williamsburg, for both his extensive knowledge of the historic triangle, and his expertise in the local real estate market.  His website, www.MrWilliamsburg.com, and blog www.WilliamsburgsRealEstate.com were created as a comprehensive resource about living in Williamsburg, with the hopes of selling a house now and again.  You can reach him at 757.236.8136 or John@MrWilliamsburg.com

Williamsburg VA Real Estate- New Town Spotlight

townhomesinnewtownva The New Town community in James City County/ Williamsburg, VA offers a unique combination of shops, entertainment, a vibrant office environment and a plethora of housing options to appeal to all segments of the population

New Town in Williamsburg, VA has raised the bar on complete living, meeting all of the needs of the community, businesses and residents alike.

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