I guess I’ve got the traffic, and now I’ve got the convenience

Update 7 February 2020 – I’d say that Fifth Street Station (Wegmans, et al) is a rousing success.

From the DP:

“New fast food and restaurant chains soon will join other stores in Albemarle County’s 5th St. Station, according to a news release from developer 5th Street Station Ventures LLC.

The newly announced eateries joining the retail hub’s other mixed-use occupants are Auntie Anne’s, BurgerFi, Caribou Coffee, Chickie’s & Pete’s, Pei Wei and Wing Zone, which are chains owned by restaurant giant Aramark. They are expected to open sometime this winter. Previously announced Basil Mediterranean and Rotika Indian Eats are set to open sometime this fall.

“We are thrilled with how the market has responded to our existing retail and restaurant lineup at 5th St. Station, with many merchants breaking nationwide sales records at this location,” Jeff Garrison, partner at 5th Street Station Ventures, said in the release. “Through this partnership with Aramark, the addition of these new establishments to our food hall concept at The Yard is a win-win for the community, and we can’t wait to unveil them to the public.”

The retail center is close to maximum occupancy, officials said.”

The title quote from Hugh Underwood in today’s Daily Progress (no longer available) (update Feb 2020 – Yet another DP broken link) accurately sums up the approval of the Avon Center.

The segmentation of our region continues …

One of the greatest negatives about living on the east side (Mill Creek, Lake Reynovia, Marshall Manor, etc.) or south side of Charlottesville is the lack of shopping; now that problem will be no more.

The Fifth Street-Avon Center development will bring a grocery, home improvement store and large discount retailer, along with a promenade of smaller shops and restaurants. It will be located just south of Charlottesville between Fifth Street and Avon Street Extended.

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Even better –

The entire project will be LEED certified, a nationally recognized standard of green building, said the project’s lawyer, Steven Blaine. Greenways would connect to the Rivanna Trail system, and rain would be harvested off roofs, all aspects supervisors praised Wednesday.

And a theater too!

More at WINA (archived: 2008).

Generally, I think this type of development, if it is effectively integrated into the surrounding community, will cause real estate values to increase, and it likely will raise the intrinsic value of living nearby (not next to – nearby).

In fifteen years, will residents of this part of Charlottesville even know about the 29 North Corridor? Will they have any reason whatsoever to go there?

Update 03/13/2008: In typical fashion, Charlottesville Tomorrow has an extensive report.

Update 03/14/2008: Good discussion at cvillenews.