LKAers will be seeing site work activity this winter as the plan to create a retail/business center just northwest of the traffic circle/roundabout at Ware’s Crossroad is underway. A ground-breaking ceremony was held November 9 for what is being called Roundabout Plaza.
Lake Anna Life & Times broke this story back in June when Jon and Stephanie Koren of Koren Diversified Holdings told us that their plan to develop a 13-acre tract they owned next to the Lake Anna Tractor & Hardware store they sold (now called Cardinal Home Center).
The couple is now working with Louisa County Community Development for final approval of their site plan now that the Virginia Department of Transportation and road contractors have completed the roundabout.
“We will build two, 12,500 sq. ft. commercial structures on our 13-acre tract. They will be fully occupied and house a gym, an indoor pickleball center, an arcade, a bakery, offices and a Lazy Parrot restaurant,” noted Stephanie.
The recent groundbreaking ceremony featured a number of Lake Anna Business Partnership members in attendance, including president Ronda Guill.
“What a perfect day for the groundbreaking ceremony. LABP members were out supporting other LABP members and new businesses around the lake. What an amazing community we have! We are all so thrilled that the Koren’s vision for a family friendly area for recreational activities, to dine and shop is breaking ground.”
Also present was Louisa County Board of Supervisors Chairman and Mineral District representative Duane Adams.
“The development of Roundabout Plaza continues to show the strong business climate in Louisa County.
“The investment of local businesses and private individuals shows that the needs of the residents and visitors alike will be provided with additional services.
“These businesses will not only provide employment opportunities for our residents but continues to increase the economic base our our County,” Adams told Life & Times.
The Korens wanted to be clear about their plan.
“When Steph and I bought the business six and a half years ago, this was part of the plan. One of the things we did want to do was build a strip mall where families could go eat, relax, play and shop. The buildings will be aesthetically pleasing, not unlike the style of Short Pump Town Center or Reston Town Center. The goal is to make this a destination not an impulse shopping center,” Jon Koren told Life & Times.
He also told Life & Times there will be four pickleball courts open 12 hours a day using a credit card for lights play system at $25/hour. The Lazy Parrot restaurant will have 7,000 sq. ft. inside and 2,000 outside and include an arcade.
Cuckoo District Supervisor Christopher C. McCotter noted he’s looking forward to making the new roundabout a gateway to the Lake Anna community.
“Now that VDOT and their contractors have completed this efficient roundabout and new businesses are coming, it’s time to design and install signage in the circle welcoming our visitors to the lake and Louisa County.
“I have received encouragement from other Louisa County businesses in support of the concept, inclcuding the Lake Anna Business Partnership, and I am working with Louisa Tourism to realize this complimentary plan.”
