Part of 199 Renamed for Marquis Center

Part of 199 Renamed for Marquis Center

By Amber Lester Kennedy Thursday, June 02, 2011

Commuters traveling west on Interstate 64 might have noticed a new sign pointing toward Yorktown this week.

Signs for exit 242-B now read “Marquis Center Parkway” and no longer direct travelers toward Yorktown. The change is the result of a months-long lobbying process endorsed by York County, said Jim Noel, director of economic development.

The name change is meant to bring more attention to the Marquis Shopping Center, which houses a Target, Kohl’s, JC Penney, Dick’s Sporting Goods and Best Buy. The renamed section of road stretches from the exit down to Cheatham Annex.

Noel said the county had to formally petition the Commonwealth Transportation Board to get permission to rename that stretch of road. Once it gained approval, the county then had to work with the Virginia Department of Transportation to get new signs fabricated and erected. Work crews have been changing the signs this week.

The project was funded with monies from the York County Economic Development Authority and from bonds issued by the Marquis Community Development Authority. They’ve only received a partial bill from VDOT for the signs, but Noel said they were expected to cost around $100,000.

The Marquis property, which opened its first store in October 2007, has changed hands several times, as development companies have gone bankrupt in the economic crisis. In March, the shopping center was sold at auction by CB Richard Ellis to a Texas-based shopping center developer, who was not involved in the effort to rename the road.

Noel said the developer does not wish to be named until the sale is finalized, which he expects to be soon. The sale price was not released by CB Richard Ellis, but the real estate company did say the developer plans to build out the center, which is situated on 223 acres at the intersection of I-64 and Rt. 199. Read more about the sale of the center here.

Comments

0 #9 Guest 2011-06-04 06:08

Money before history! Our county government didn't want public comments to make the renaming decision as you can see by the many comments so far. You (county gov't) are helping to hide Yorktown's infamous history by the renaming. Did the Board of Supervisors know this one was coming? If they did then what a shame! If they didn't, what an oversight on their part! Did the Economic Develop Authority inform the supervisors early on? Bottom line is, we are the people who pay these bills and I'm one very unhappy with this one. $100,000 to cover up the name of Yorktown. $100,000 of our tax dollars down the drain. Election time is coming, so find Board of Supervisor candidates who can keep this wasteful decision making out of York County. During election campaigning, ask them their opinion about this issue.

Quote

-2 #8 Guest 2011-06-02 13:34

again. We could have named it for one of our fine citizens that helped the City of Willioamsburg maintain its class. How about Mr. Anderson that recently passed.

Quote

+13 #7 Guest 2011-06-02 09:39

All Marquis needs is a service station and eatery, and the former is more important. There is nowhere between Newport News and Richmond where a driver on I-64 can just get off and get gas without traveling more than a mile. A service station at Marquis will get more appreciation from all drivers visiting the area. And, if CW and area officials were smart, Marquis is where a Visitor's Center would go. The easier we can make it for travelers, the better.

Quote

+9 #6 Guest 2011-06-02 08:44

When are they going to realize that the Marquis shopping center is a lost cause? No more stores are going to go in there until they can provide better numbers of customers. The only reason the stores are still there is because they don't pay any rent right now. I mean, it's pretty bad when I can go into Best Buy a week before Christmas and not even have to wait in line to buy something. That says it all.

Quote

+5 #5 Guest 2011-06-02 08:06

Dear jud, why don't you just ask the Marquis Shopping Center how many people the historically themed Presidents Park brought to their business compared to Water Country USA.

Quote

+9 #4 Guest 2011-06-02 07:59

Bad politics. The main traffic for tourist is the historic sites. Yes, shopping is a factor but should not be the crowning glory of the area. What next: Riprey's Parkway? The MARQUIS is not what the tourist is looking for on their road to the historic area. The damage has been done.

Quote

+20 #3 Guest 2011-06-02 07:32

I'm appalled that York County would sacrifice the historic nature of this community to give a crass developer (in backruptcy!!) a leg up! HISTORY brings people to this area---not four big box retail stores. Shame on you York County! why wasn't this in the paper so we could all see and participate?

Quote

+8 #2 Guest 2011-06-02 07:23

I am very hapy that there will be sign for the shopping center. We need to increase business & traffic to the MARQUIS. I hope the new owner will encourage more business to come. I would love to see a supermarket (Whole Foods) and family style places to eat
(Wendy's, Bob Evans or even Steak & Shake). The more shopping there the less traveling to NN or even Richmond to shop.

Quote

+26 #1 Guest 2011-06-02 07:19

I suppose it is better than "Economic Overreach Parkway" or "Redundancy Shoppes Parkway"

Quote

Refresh comments list

Add comment

WYDaily invites you to join the community conversation. We expect civil discourse here. Personal attacks on others, indecent language and bad manners in general are unwelcome.

JComments