I recently read an article about West Broad Village which states that it will have “wetlands, forested areas and numerous parks.” Notice, these words are plural.
I know that the development, relatively speaking, is on a large tract of land but I am having trouble envisioning enough space for wetlands, forests and parks. . . for those areas to really mean anything.
People search out those areas to get away or at least feel like they are away from developed or urban areas. I think about Central Park in New York City or the Golden Gate Park in San Francisco.
Plus, I lived in major city areas where the intended goal of having an area where people live, work, shop and play encompassed a defined neighborhood. But these neighborhoods spanned areas 5-10 times larger than the West Broad Village.
So, I must admit I am intrigued by the West Broad Village development as I feel like the area is really too small to do what it is trying to do. Having said that, I am really hoping that the development is going to be successful because if it is not, there will be a major depressed development right in the middle of our Short Pump community. . . something no one desires.
I think that so far they have done a decent job of making you feel like you are in an urban area when you drive into as I did get a different feel when I recently ate at Kona Grill. So, I am sure its restaurants will be successful but I just wonder if it will attract residents (especially home buying ones as opposed to renters) and I also am curious to see if businesses will be willing to pay the higher rental rates for that setting.
As the development completes it stages, I look forward to seeing the progress.
