CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA:  Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer is pleased to have represented Riverbend Development in the purchase of 1.4 acres for the development of a 10,500-square foot Starbucks-anchored center located at the intersection of Abbey and Rolkin Roads on Pantops Mountain in Charlottesville (Albemarle County), VA.
   Groundbreaking for the retail center, to be known as Pantops Plaza, occurred this week with vertical construction slated to begin Fall 2014 and the first stores opening in Spring 2015.  This will be Charlottesville’s first drive thru store for Starbucks; other tenants include Chipotle Mexican Grill and Jersey Mike’s Subs.  Approximately 4,700 square feet of retail space is currently available for lease. 
   Ed Kimple and David Machupa of Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer’s Virginia Beach office represented the developer in the sale of the property, and are also the exclusive leasing representatives for the center.  Ed Kimple comments, “This is a tremendous opportunity in a very tight retail market with strong daytime and residential population.  With their local knowledge, Riverbend Development was able to move quickly once we secured Starbucks as the anchor.”