Neighborhood Close Up: Monarch Walk, Virginia Beach

By Sandra J. Pennecke
The Virginian-Pilot
© October 27, 2008

FIRST-TIME HOME Cara Gambill and Manuel Bawden don’t know each other but were both seeking the same things when they discovered Cornerstone.

The new Virginia Beach community is just minutes from Town Center. Developed by L.M. Sandler & Sons and built by Chesapeake Homes, it’s on the site of the former Wedgewood Mobile Home Park. When complete, the 50-acre development will feature 453 three-story condominium townhomes and carriage-style townhomes, all with rear-loading garages.

A four-story luxury apartment complex with a parking garage is planned along the backside of the community, which is on the north side of Bonney Road near Interstate 264. Cornerstone will have a junior Olympic-size pool with cabana, community clubhouse with exercise room, playground, park area with benches and two lakes with fountains.

The builder’s Web site states, “The door to home ownership has never been more open,” and both Gambill and Bawden can attest to that.

Gambill, who originally hails from New York, decided it was time to buy a home. “I’d been a renter all my life,” the 39-year-old said.

After renting an apartment Norfolk’s Freemason area for four years, Gambill sought a place closer to work and other activities. She moved in August.

“I like the social aspect and proximity to Town Center,” said the Cornerstone resident, who can see the buildings from her deck. “The kitchen, deck, two-car garage, new construction and custom features were all selling points ”

Bawden and his girlfriend, Alicia Mendoza, both 29 and active-duty first-class Navy petty officers, were ready to buy a home after renting an apartment off Laskin Road for almost two years. After driving past Cornerstone every day on their way to work, the couple decided to stop in . They didn’t look anywhere else after that and moved into their 2,200-square-foot home in September.

“It’s really convenient, and we anticipate that the area will be built up even more,” Bawden said.

Sandra J. Pennecke, pennecke@cox.net

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