A new shopping center aimed at drawing travelers off the highway in Culpeper is being planned, according to the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

Braggs Corner Station is the name of the new center that will be across from Eastern View High School, and will hopefully open next summer.

The developer hopes to bring in well-known businesses to the center, like Bruster's Ice Cream which has already agreed to lease a space.

This could be a great addition to the county that will help increase the tax base, which is important for keeping property taxes down.

"A local developer is confident that a retail and business center planned for a busy highway junction will quickly become an asset to Culpeper County travelers and residents.

Braggs Corner Station is set to open the first phase of a multiphase project by next summer, said Tom Boyd, a real estate broker who is overseeing the venture for Charlottesville-based Born Commercial.

The project is across from Eastern View High School on the west side of U.S. 29 at state Route 666 on a now-vacant 25-acre tract along the highway.

'We're sincerely hoping that we will start breaking ground this winter,' Boyd said.

One tenant, Bruster's Ice Cream, already has signed on to lease space. Boyd said talks are ongoing to bring other well-known businesses to the project, but he declined to identify them because agreements have not been reached.

The 10,500-square-foot retail center would be the first element of a project that Boyd hopes will offer residents and travelers quick, convenient and familiar choices along a stretch of highway with relatively few options.

Although there are adequate services in town, many travelers are reluctant to stray too far off the highway, Boyd said.

Plans call for Braggs Corner Station to include a gas station, several quick-service and full-service restaurants, a bank, medical offices, a medium-sized hotel and a landscaped nature area eventually. No timetable has been set on when the other elements might be added."

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