Just-started CBN building is filling up already

One of the largest television ministries in the world is expanding its ever-growing facilities.

The Christian Broadcasting Network broke ground on Metroplex One last month. The two-story, 35,000-square-foot facility, at Regent University Drive and Midtowne Way on the CBN campus, is already more than 80 percent leased, Eric Keplinger, business development manager for Mid-Eastern Builders, said.

The project is expected to be completed in December.

Tenants will include the American Center for Law and Justice, based in Washington, D.C., which focuses on constitutional law, Trinity Broadcasting Network, headquartered in Costa Mesa, Calif., a religious television network offering 24 hours of inspirational programming, and Regent University's School of Global Leadership and Entrepreneurship.

ACLJ and the global leadership school are on the CBN/Regent campus, but need additional space, Keplinger said. TBN, which broadcasts locally over WHRE Channel 21, is in Norfolk.

"We presently have room for a twin building to the Metroplex One facility," Keplinger said. "Additionally there is a plan for a 56,000-square-foot building on the site. Both of these configurations can change depending on market demand."

CBN founder and religious broadcaster Pat Robertson originally proposed a 500-acre commercial, office and residential development that would have required an interchange off Interstate 64.

The federal government didn't go along with the interchange, though, so CBN had to change its strategy, Keplinger said.

The project is starting with the office tower and a small residential development of about 150 homes, which has been approved by the Virginia Beach Planning Commission.

"The new plan has necessarily been changed to accommodate a future interchange, but is not dependent upon that interchange," Keplinger said.

Sandra J. Pennecke, pennecke@cox.net