Imagine grabbing a coffee at Starbucks, meeting a friend for breakfast at Waffle House and then heading to the local shopping center to take care of errands.
Now imagine doing those things in King George County.
According to real estate brokers, developers and recently released retail and commercial plans, that vision may not be far from reality.
At least two companies have plans in the works for shopping centers, including the Fredericksburg-based Silver Cos. and KLNB Retail, a commercial real estate firm based in Maryland.
Local real estate brokers Stan and Shawn Palivoda say they too have been working on commercial and retail projects.
While some plans are certain, other endeavors are in very preliminary phases. Either way, it seems as though the county will lose the "retail-free" label in coming years.
Lowe's: A traffic impact study for another retailer hinted at the arrival of this home improvement store on U.S. 301. Spokeswoman Maureen Rich did not return a recent request for comment. Late last year Rich said it's the company's policy not to comment on specific sites until closing on all real estate matters.
Silver Cos. Retail Complex: Chris Hornung, vice president of planning and engineering for the company, said a retail shopping center at the intersection of U.S. 301 and State Route 3 could have "national, larger tenants." He said chain restaurants have expressed interest in the site, and expects it to be complete with a grocery store and home improvement store.
The county's Planning Commission is holding off on a possible rezoning for the 144-acre site until next month, which would be one step in approving the land for development.
Starbucks & Waffle House: The Palivodas said they have clients interested in opening the breakfast franchises somewhere in the county, but wouldn't say where exactly.
Wal-Mart: A KLNB map featuring two retail centers shows Wal-Mart as an anchor store. However, there's been no confirmation from the worldwide retail giant about a King George store.
"We haven't announced anything in King George County yet," said Wal-Mart spokeswoman Kelly Hobbs. "We are still considering options for a store in King George, but we're not at a point to announce anything definitively."
Other projects: The Palivodas said they are planning a strip mall at the intersection of State Routes 3 and 205, and also said a bank is looking to locate on U.S. 301 in Dahlgren. They also predict the county will see more "popular fast-food chains" in the future, with one currently under contract in Dahlgren.
Dahlgren Shopping Centers: Bob Morris, a KLNB spokesman handling the smaller of two commercial retail sites, said no businesses have been "locked down yet" for what's tentatively being referred to as "Gateway Shops at Dahlgren."
KLNB recently posted plans on its Web site for two shopping centers on U.S. 301 in Dahlgren straddling Owens Drive. Both plans are on commercially zoned property across from the Naval Support Facility at Dahlgren.
Motel: The Palivodas said a new motel would be built next to the Comfort Inn on U.S. 301 near the Navy base. They would not say which motel chain will be building on the site but confirmed that it's "name-brand" and will feature a popular restaurant. Plans are to break ground this year.
Rite Aid pharmacy: The company filed site plans with the county last year for a new location at the intersection of U.S. 301 and State Route 206.
Vinny's: This Italian restaurant with locations in Fredericksburg and Stafford County is moving into a commercial building in the First Lady's Center on State Route 3.
Read more stories about King George Date published: 3/13/2008
Smart Growth will benefit county(posted by
cleydael
, Apr. 2, 2008 2:20 am)
KG has a shot at being proactive and getting the RIGHT kind of growth. We need more retail here - the gas costs of a 40 mile round trip to F'burg just to go to Wal-Mart really hits our cost of living But it doesn't have to be ugly suburban sprawl. Focus the big retail on the upper end of the 301 corridor,, then cluster architecturally attractive small shops / retail / moderate income townhouses in the, Dahlgren & Courthouse areas -- an actual TOWN and sense of place would be a major imrpovement!
We Have already been talking about this on the forum(posted by
Fade2Black
, Mar. 14, 2008 1:42 am)
Here is a link to the forum with ALL the information that I have collected since 2006...
http://fredtalk.fredericksburg.com/showflat.php?Cat=0&Board=KingGeorge&Number=1045169&page=0&fpart=all
Yeah we moved to K.G. to get away from the TONS of commercial... right now we have squat for retail. I would rather spend my money in K.G. as well.
Looking forward to it(posted by
vamomof2
, Mar. 13, 2008 10:46 pm)
Is growth so bad? U.S. 301 is where they are trying to build up. I think the county can have a home town feeling and still have good stores nearby. I'd rather be putting my tax dollars into King George instead of Fredericksburg all the time.
