By LEIGH C. MERRIFIELD
News & Journal Editor
Motorists traveling Meadowbrook Road towards Bridgeport have probably noticed some major excavation going on directly across the highway from Bridgeport Country Club’s greens. The property has for years been better known to locals as the Belcastro farm. This rolling land is currently being developed by AB Contracting, Inc. out of Pt. Pleasant, WV. The 35-acre tract of land will become a gated community where its residents will have controlled access.
AB Contracting, Inc. intends to develop about 75% of the property with upscale rental options (apartments and townhomes) as well as condos and townhomes available for purchase.
This is not a first-time experience for AB Contracting.They also built one of the largest single family subdivisions called ‘The Ridges’ in South Charleston, a project that began back in 2002 and was completed a couple of years ago with custom built dwellings. They also developed a gated upscale community with 500 units known as ‘Eagle View’, also in Charleston, that is nearing completion now (in just under three years’ time).
Now, AB Contracting President Allen Bell is turning his attention to North Central West Virginia! According to marketing director Melanie Goode, Bell learned of the property and investigated the growth rate of the housing market in this area. He decided that the community could use a development such as ‘Meadow Creek’, the name that has been chosen for this multi-million dollar project in Bridgeport.
“Meadow Creek will be ideal for people looking to downsize but who still prefer luxury living,” Ms. Goode remarked. “The property will have a resort-like feeling and exceptional amenities – including a clubhouse with an activities room, swimming pool, basketball and tennis courts as well as plans for a possible walking trail within the community.Greenspace will be spectacular with a gazebo/growing area that will include park benches and picnic tables. It will be very low maintenance and extremely appealing to both buyers and well as renters.”
Another tempting feature of the condos/townhomes will be a master suite on the first floor! Larger plans will have two-car garages and will feature granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and hardwood flooring.
Ms. Goode noted that they are very particular about ‘the look’ and ensuring that the development is aesthetically pleasing with exteriors of both brick and stone.
“I can assure people that the details will not go unnoticed!” she added. “Although AB Contracting is new to North Central West Virginia, people will learn quickly that they have an exceptional crew and their craftsmanship is high quality. They work quickly and methodically to meet timetables.”
The land was acquired in December of 2015, and they had already gone through the approval process with City Planning in Bridgeport. The City also worked quickly to put the infrastructure in place so that project tasks could begin as soon as possible.
“The bridge to access the development from Meadowbrook Road will be called Sassafrass Way, and work will take place on the left AND right side of the entrance simultaneously – with rental units and buyable condos in different locations – all, however, utilizing the same amenities,” Goode stated.
Land purchased in December … ground broken within the past month … footers will be going in the ground soon! They aren’t wasting time!!!! In fact, several people have already visited the Charleston development to take a first-hand look at some of the plans that are similar to what will be offered at Meadow Creek.
“We already have some contracts!” Good added, excitedly. “We look for them to go quickly. And we are offering some pre-buy-in incentives that would allow early buyers to have the option of choosing some of the finishes or specifying certain upgrades.”
There will be rentals of one, two, and three bedroom apartments to meet the needs of families who are new to the area and perhaps don’t want to commit to a purchase right away.
And for those who are looking to purchase, some of the three-bedroom condos will also have a bonus room which could become a 4thbedroom. Goode said that these dwellings have the ability to be over 2,700 square feet.
Meadow Creek offers a spectacular view … kind of a country feel within the city limits! Residents will be able to enjoy a leisurely, low maintenance lifestyle but still be very accessible to dining, activities, golfing, shopping – and close to the FBI and United Hospital Center. Accommodating every need is their goal!
“We are so excited to be in Bridgeport,” Goode concluded. “It is a new market for us, but we were immediately taken by the sense of community in Harrison County and North Central West Virginia. We feel that residents of the area will be proud to have Meadow Creek become a part of their community and we hope they will be as excited to have us here as we are to be here.”
Passersby will no doubt be doing lots of double takes in the coming months! Considering what has transpired in the few short months since the property’s purchase, you will want to watch how quickly significant progress is being made at this new upscale development!
Anyone with questions about site development or floor plans are encouraged to call Melanie Goode at 304-747-8486 or e-mail her at abcontractingwv.com. She will be happy to answer your questions on both rental options and purchase options.
