Metroplex adds office space near Regent University

VIRGINIA BEACH

Like a seed planted and nourished in fertile soil, the Christian Broadcasting Network continues to grow.

Metroplex One, a 32,500-square-foot, two-story, multitenant brick office building, recently opened at the intersection of Regent University Drive and Midtowne Way on land leased from CBN.

According to Tom Atherton, vice president of Mid-Eastern Builders, the first tenant occupied the office complex in October. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Jan. 14.

Tenants include the American Center for Law and Justice, Trinity Broadcasting Network and Regent University's School of Global Leadership and Entrepreneurship. A 6,600-square-foot space is still available for lease, Atherton said.

"It could be broken into 2,000-square-feet spaces for commercial office use," he said.

"We went from clearing trees to occupancy in seven months, all while maintaining the highest standard of quality," Atherton continued. "This is just another example of what MEB General Contractors is capable of, and we look forward to starting work on Metroplex II."

The location for Metroplex II is still to be determined, but Atherton said it will most likely be across the entrance from Metroplex One, on the same side as the development.

"We're negotiating with a single tenant who would occupy before the end of 2010," said Atherton of the approximately 50,000-square-foot building.

The multifaceted nonprofit Christian Broadcasting Network, founded by Pat Robertson in 1960, provides television programming to approximately 200 countries.

As CBN flourishes, two additional buildings, totaling 100,000 square feet, and Blenheim, a 500-acre, master-planned office, retail and residential development, are planned for adjoining property on the Virginia Beach/Chesapeake line.

Sandra J. Pennecke, pennecke@cox.net