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Colonial Williamsburg to foreclose on Carter's Grove
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WILLIAMSBURG -- Colonial Williamsburg told employees late Thursday afternoon that it was foreclosing on Carter's Grove LLC, the Halsey Minor entity which purchased Carter's Grove.
In a message sent out about 4:30 p.m., President Colin Campbell said Carter's Grove LLC "has failed to make on time the final two payments due on its mortgage obligation" and is "in default under the terms of the mortgage financing."
The announcement also noted that Colonial Williamsburg has "initiated foreclosure proceedings under the deed of trust lien that was placed on the Carter's Grove Plantation property to secure the financing".
The property was sold to Carter's Grove LLC for $15.3 million in 2007. Of the sale price, $5 million in cash was paid at closing and $10.3 million was financed through a mortgage.
The process, Campbell added, "is intended to end with a public auction of the property." That auction is scheduled for Feb. 15 at the Williamsburg-James City County Courthouse.
Preservation and conservation easements Colonial Williamsburg placed on the property when it was sold are binding on current and future owners, the announcement stated. The easements protect the historic mansion, its viewshed, and the archaeological sites on the property, which include the 17th century Martin's Hundred. The easements also ban residential and commercial development.
"While we regret how these events have unfolded," Campbell added, "I am confident that these actions support the best long-term interests of the Carter's Grove site and the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation."
More in Saturday's Gazette.
In a message sent out about 4:30 p.m., President Colin Campbell said Carter's Grove LLC "has failed to make on time the final two payments due on its mortgage obligation" and is "in default under the terms of the mortgage financing."
The announcement also noted that Colonial Williamsburg has "initiated foreclosure proceedings under the deed of trust lien that was placed on the Carter's Grove Plantation property to secure the financing".
The property was sold to Carter's Grove LLC for $15.3 million in 2007. Of the sale price, $5 million in cash was paid at closing and $10.3 million was financed through a mortgage.
The process, Campbell added, "is intended to end with a public auction of the property." That auction is scheduled for Feb. 15 at the Williamsburg-James City County Courthouse.
Preservation and conservation easements Colonial Williamsburg placed on the property when it was sold are binding on current and future owners, the announcement stated. The easements protect the historic mansion, its viewshed, and the archaeological sites on the property, which include the 17th century Martin's Hundred. The easements also ban residential and commercial development.
"While we regret how these events have unfolded," Campbell added, "I am confident that these actions support the best long-term interests of the Carter's Grove site and the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation."
More in Saturday's Gazette.
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Claud Stuart wrote on Jan 27, 2011 6:50 PM:
" When Colonial Williamsburg sold Carter's Grove they might as well have waved a flag with the words "We have failed!" on it. In originally spinning the sale, Colonial Williamsburg stated that Carter's Grove did not fit in well with the foundation's mission of teaching Americans our great history. Why an 18th century plantation close to the Historic Area was not an asset in teaching the history of a plantation/agricultural society I cannot imagine. Carter's Grove represented, in fact, the entire history of Virginia in one place. Now the sorry saga continues. "
Joe wrote on Jan 27, 2011 8:02 PM:
" Level CW and invite Disney to take over the area. All the rides and attractions can have a historic theme. CW is filled with stuffy snobs who have messed things up long enough.. Time for them to go. The city needs revenue and they are nothing but a bottomless pit. "
Annie Nonimous wrote on Jan 27, 2011 8:17 PM:
" How 'bout Chuck E. Cheese? Williamsburg always seems to feel the need to add more cheese! "
Bob wrote on Jan 27, 2011 8:27 PM:
" I agree with Joe. Why everything older than 100 years needs to be preserved in mint condition is beyond me. The taxpaying residents suffer for the "stuffy snobs'" pursuit of historical hobbies. "
Buck wrote on Jan 27, 2011 8:30 PM:
" CW sold Carter's Grove because they recognized that it was a money pit and they cut their losses. Heaven forbid that a non-profit should show some business acumen, but they did!
Joe- I'm curious what revenue the city would get by leveling CW? Are you under the mistaken impression that the City funds it? "
Joe- I'm curious what revenue the city would get by leveling CW? Are you under the mistaken impression that the City funds it? "
Buck wrote on Jan 27, 2011 8:35 PM:
" Joe and Bob- Why don't you move to the West Coast where a forty year old building is, "historic." Leave us stuffy snobs alone. "
hmmm... wrote on Jan 27, 2011 8:58 PM:
" Your telling me that with 2 payments left, CW could not find a way to work out the balance with Mr. Minor? Sounds like someone finally came to their senses at the Godwin Building and realized that Carter's Grove may actually have some value to CW. As far as I an remember, it was a very popular attraction for visitors. Seems a bit coincidental that once they closed and eventually jetisoned Carter's Grove, ticket sales seemed to fall as well. Since they made a mint selling it and now taking it back they should have some funds to clean up the place and restore it to its rightful place as a viable value added feature to the CW attractions. Of course, i fully expect the foundation to screw this up as well. "
Lee wrote on Jan 27, 2011 9:16 PM:
" It appears Carters Grove was spun off with the clear intent of limiting financial damage to the CW Foundation. I would expect that they never had any intent to pay off the loan in full. It would be interesting to know who holds the mortgage, as the person(s) responsible for approving that loan should probably be terminated for losing a lot of money. "
wake up cw wrote on Jan 27, 2011 9:24 PM:
" My family and I visited Carter Grove all the time. We were saddened when it closed. I would know I as well as several people I kow would pay to see it again and again. A museum was added, the house was terrific, the gardens were great and the view was worth the ticket itself. Perhaps CW would considered adding a resturant and a small bed and breakfeast type building in which guest could actually stay on the property. It would bring in lots of money and give the tourist and locals a wonderful place to visit. "
sharon jackson wrote on Jan 27, 2011 9:44 PM:
" Need to look at the Hermitage in Tennessee as a way to keep Carters Grove up....it is a beautiful place. Just as Carters Grove "use to be". "
Lisa wrote on Jan 27, 2011 10:58 PM:
" why does anyone think that cw cares what you or i think they treat their employees like crap. they cut employees hours for al,ost ayear then gave them back and took time from their sick leave and vacation time because they did't work enough hours to have the full benifit. so do es anyone think cw cares about anything other than the profit they are going to make. the rich get ritcher and to heck with the rest "
Fond Memories wrote on Jan 27, 2011 11:05 PM:
" I hope CW, having made millions already on the sale, will consider taking the property back and restoring it to what it was 25 years ago. They should turn it into lodging and and an event location. It was always a major draw for serious architecture buffs and a refreshing break from the crowds downtown.
I agree with 'hmmm,' although I suspect these final 2 payments must be large balloon like payments. .... Kluge's widow just lost everything to foreclosure in spite of her reputed $1 billion divorce settlement. "
I agree with 'hmmm,' although I suspect these final 2 payments must be large balloon like payments. .... Kluge's widow just lost everything to foreclosure in spite of her reputed $1 billion divorce settlement. "
Claud Stuart wrote on Jan 27, 2011 11:05 PM:
" Bob- We all are on top of what I have heard described as an inverted pyramid, supported by what came before. Many are almost unaware that anything preceeded the present, and that we are who we are because of our history and our ancestors. Nothing helps us visualize that more than the preserved buildings in which our forbears lived and worked. It is not snobbery, just a desire to be connected with our past and who we are. The beauty and quality of these buildings is an added benefit. They give me great pleasure, and I am forever grateful that they still exist. "
State of the Union wrote on Jan 28, 2011 1:09 AM:
" I think all you proud folks who love this fixer upper should lay off the preservation and conservation easements. Let some rich family live there and do whatever they want with the property. How about put in a pool or an outdoor barbecue pit? Did anyone forget about the trailer park across the street from it. Where were the easements on that? "
ED wrote on Jan 28, 2011 3:15 AM:
" This place shyould be re-opened to the public for a charge. It is as important as Berkeley and could be made self sustaining if CW would allow a public interest group to take it over and run it. If CW can get involved with Jamestown it can get involved with Carter's Grove, the history is continuous after all. Perhaps it should be operated like Westover with a new owner covenanting to show it from time to time and allow people to see the exterior and the historical sites, as part of the sales deal; or some other arrangment. It is ashame that this property has been made unavailable to the public. "
Taxes Paid wrote on Jan 28, 2011 6:56 AM:
" Since Mr. Minor could not be bothered to pay over $14M in taxes to the State of California last year and was named its State's biggest deadbeat, have taxes been paid on Carter's Grove? At $15M that would be quite a princely sum for James City coffers. I'm also told, substantial work was being done to renovate the Property. Have the contractors doing the work been paid?
There is obviously much more to the story so how about burning a little gas and shoe leather VG reporteers and get us the real scoop. Was Minor even called for comment. Given his proclivity for talking to the press in Charlotesville about his failled Hotel deal, I'm sure he'd be only too happy to speak with the VG.
I'm sure he would describe the situation as a temporary setback to his vision for bringing horse racing back to Virginia. That he intends to buy the property at foreclosure and was only using CW for interim financing until a new loan could be worked out. He will probably go on to blame CW for his default and sue them for some concocted breach of contract. If he wins, he might even become the new owner of CWF. "
There is obviously much more to the story so how about burning a little gas and shoe leather VG reporteers and get us the real scoop. Was Minor even called for comment. Given his proclivity for talking to the press in Charlotesville about his failled Hotel deal, I'm sure he'd be only too happy to speak with the VG.
I'm sure he would describe the situation as a temporary setback to his vision for bringing horse racing back to Virginia. That he intends to buy the property at foreclosure and was only using CW for interim financing until a new loan could be worked out. He will probably go on to blame CW for his default and sue them for some concocted breach of contract. If he wins, he might even become the new owner of CWF. "
Wish I could buy it wrote on Jan 28, 2011 7:27 AM:
" Man oh man, do I wish I could buy it and live there. Sigh. "
Bill Tyler wrote on Jan 28, 2011 8:42 AM:
" I often said that if I would win a significant lottery, I would purchase Carter's Grove and return it to it's former beauty. The historical value is unimaginable. I would charge visitors just enought to maintain the property and what visting didn't cover everythig, I would pay the difference. I have visited Carter's Grove many, many times in the past and always felt a bond wit the past. I hope others have felt he same. "
History Making Article wrote on Jan 28, 2011 9:40 AM:
" I don't ever recall seeing an article with over 3,000 hits - much less within 12 hours of posting. It is quite obvious that there is a great deal of public interest in this story.
Compared to the stories being consistently run about Courthouse Commons in an effort to generate controversy, this story has legs and is worthy of additional investigation. Readers are eager to learn about this and those involved.
How bout it Mr. O'Donovan? Halsey Minor might even take you for a ride on his plane. Oh- I forgot -it was repossed too. Ooops. "
Compared to the stories being consistently run about Courthouse Commons in an effort to generate controversy, this story has legs and is worthy of additional investigation. Readers are eager to learn about this and those involved.
How bout it Mr. O'Donovan? Halsey Minor might even take you for a ride on his plane. Oh- I forgot -it was repossed too. Ooops. "
Peg wrote on Jan 28, 2011 9:59 AM:
" After googling Halsey Minor, I discovered that he is almost broke. He has gone through an expensive divorce, lost homes all over the planet, gone bust on a hotel project in Charlottesville and is being sued by numerous people. CW should never have deakt with this "Mr. Big Big." Keep Carter`s Grove and open it up to the public. When the stock market improves the endowment will follow and the money will be there. "
To Peg wrote on Jan 28, 2011 10:38 AM:
" Obviously you don't know much about the stock market when it improves? It's back to the precrash levels already in case you didn't know....It's unemployment that needs to improve and real estate...both many years away from improvement "
Peg wrote on Jan 28, 2011 11:05 AM:
" I know plenty about the financial markets. The fact that the market has come back to pre-recession levels is not an improvement.JMJTn "
Bob R. wrote on Jan 28, 2011 11:13 AM:
" Perhaps Minor will take Mary Jones' approach and file an injunction against the mortgage holder (CW).
This would likely delay the foreclosure process almost indefinitely at this time. "
This would likely delay the foreclosure process almost indefinitely at this time. "
Quit wrote on Jan 28, 2011 11:28 AM:
" Bob...I thought you were getting kinder and gentler. Now in light of Arizona, is this anyway to behave? Be nice, quit the personal attacks, cast your vote in November if you want change. "
Bob R. wrote on Jan 28, 2011 11:41 AM:
" Just want to insure the electorate is informed. I'm not calling names, threatening, slandering etc. . But there are issues to be discussed / disclosed. Such as:
Is Jones really the best person to chair JCC BOS, or was it her turn, or did she need the extra money most? All good questions to ask before making our choice in November.
Trying to be civil, but that does not mean I have to be silent. "
Is Jones really the best person to chair JCC BOS, or was it her turn, or did she need the extra money most? All good questions to ask before making our choice in November.
Trying to be civil, but that does not mean I have to be silent. "
Quit wrote on Jan 28, 2011 12:08 PM:
" It was apparently her turn. At least 3 members voted her in, 2 others abstained, I don't know the reason for it, since it doesn't meet the criteria. I guess it was planned.
You've done well the last few weeks, keep it up. Be civil, be considerate. There may be a perfectly good explanation for her situation, it is personal in nature and the law will prevail if needed. "
You've done well the last few weeks, keep it up. Be civil, be considerate. There may be a perfectly good explanation for her situation, it is personal in nature and the law will prevail if needed. "
Cordell wrote on Jan 28, 2011 6:07 PM:
" A little therapy there folks courtesy of the VaGazette? What I'd like to know is: Can this Mary Jones get Carter's Grove back and open to the public? "
Sadly censored again wrote on Jan 28, 2011 7:27 PM:
" Predictable it took all of 12 hours for Courthouse Commons to be brought up and then 14 hours for…
Would someone please explain why the ONLY person who is obsessing, oops sorry, “very concerned about what is going on with Mary Jones' Residency” is the same person that is the resident expert on ALL things Mary Jones!?!
If laws are being broken and Chairman Jones is not a “legitimate Supervisor” why do some look to a newspaper (or blog) for answers?
If there was a real concern that these delusional accusations had any merit, why has no legal authority been contacted?
If Bob had legitimate concerns, where was he for the last 2 BOS meetings!?! Actually Bob, it is your “silence that is deafening!”
Supervisor Jones IS the Chairman of the Board, “SO GET OVER IT”… you can’t even vote for her (if you actually bother to this time) "
Would someone please explain why the ONLY person who is obsessing, oops sorry, “very concerned about what is going on with Mary Jones' Residency” is the same person that is the resident expert on ALL things Mary Jones!?!
If laws are being broken and Chairman Jones is not a “legitimate Supervisor” why do some look to a newspaper (or blog) for answers?
If there was a real concern that these delusional accusations had any merit, why has no legal authority been contacted?
If Bob had legitimate concerns, where was he for the last 2 BOS meetings!?! Actually Bob, it is your “silence that is deafening!”
Supervisor Jones IS the Chairman of the Board, “SO GET OVER IT”… you can’t even vote for her (if you actually bother to this time) "
Amazing wrote on Jan 28, 2011 9:15 PM:
" 5,000 hits on this story in 24 hours. Most ever for a VG post. That's newsworthy. "
Poor C W wrote on Jan 30, 2011 6:43 PM:
" They received all but two payments so now they can forclose and sell it again. With a little luck they will be able to do this many times over. "
Amazing wrote on Jan 30, 2011 6:47 PM:
" I wonder how powerful Mary Jones is that she was able to cause so much over development and so many problems with the schools in two weeks as Chairman of the Board of Supervisors. Watch out folks - she's certainly presidential material. "
whyd ya LIE bob wrote on Jan 31, 2011 5:46 PM:
" Nobody Cares wrote on Jan 31, 2011 12:19 PM:
" To BobR - nobody cares what you think.
You are an embarrassment to yourself, your family and this community. You may think people like and agree with you but they don't. Even J4C has renounced you and your tactics. Your crusuade against Republicans is a joke.
Take your lies and evil ways to Charles City. "
You know occasionally Bob comes up with a classic lines here and there like:
Bob R. wrote on Oct 21, 2010 8:34 AM …“Making up your own facts are you? Or is comprehension low.”
Bob R. wrote on Oct 22, 2010 7:11 PM: “…I was not out to embarrass Ms. Jones, I was out to get her…”
Bob R. wrote on Oct 23, 2010 9:23 AM: "Your comprehension is truly zero isn't it…I stick to the verifiable facts and never stated that Ms. Jones husbands property had been sold. I merely and 100% accurately stated that it "was to be sold" that very day on the courthouse steps. I realize you heard something entirely different, because that is what you wanted to hear”
Bob R. wrote on Oct 23, 2010 12:43 PM: “So [you] would rather continue to spread falsehoods and slander than face the facts…”
These are sniglettes from a comment posted on a letter to the Editor, that was ACTUALLY titled "You're Not Alone" written by Chairman Jones
Well worth the read and hopefully your application of her intended message!
http://www.vagazette.com/articles/2010/10/23/news/doc4cc2497955183875458988.txt
So much for the secrecy LIE!
Bob R. wrote on Oct 21, 2010 11:26 PM: "…your comments are slanderous and should be removed.” - No Bob that would be you!!! "
" To BobR - nobody cares what you think.
You are an embarrassment to yourself, your family and this community. You may think people like and agree with you but they don't. Even J4C has renounced you and your tactics. Your crusuade against Republicans is a joke.
Take your lies and evil ways to Charles City. "
You know occasionally Bob comes up with a classic lines here and there like:
Bob R. wrote on Oct 21, 2010 8:34 AM …“Making up your own facts are you? Or is comprehension low.”
Bob R. wrote on Oct 22, 2010 7:11 PM: “…I was not out to embarrass Ms. Jones, I was out to get her…”
Bob R. wrote on Oct 23, 2010 9:23 AM: "Your comprehension is truly zero isn't it…I stick to the verifiable facts and never stated that Ms. Jones husbands property had been sold. I merely and 100% accurately stated that it "was to be sold" that very day on the courthouse steps. I realize you heard something entirely different, because that is what you wanted to hear”
Bob R. wrote on Oct 23, 2010 12:43 PM: “So [you] would rather continue to spread falsehoods and slander than face the facts…”
These are sniglettes from a comment posted on a letter to the Editor, that was ACTUALLY titled "You're Not Alone" written by Chairman Jones
Well worth the read and hopefully your application of her intended message!
http://www.vagazette.com/articles/2010/10/23/news/doc4cc2497955183875458988.txt
So much for the secrecy LIE!
Bob R. wrote on Oct 21, 2010 11:26 PM: "…your comments are slanderous and should be removed.” - No Bob that would be you!!! "
Bob R. wrote on Jan 31, 2011 6:16 PM:
" Clever of how you cut / paste the truth out of the situation. Why are you not putting things in the context of the many lies, threats and slanderous comments that have been posted and have NOT been censored.
Again, Ms. Jones' letter clearly points out how she allowed herself to be left in the dark and that the family fell into foreclosure. All the while though, they are able to maintain their savings. Seems like someone taking advantage of the situation to me. Especially once you consider the lawsuit against the bank which only serves to stall the eviction from this house.
Of course a comment or two from Ms. Jones could have cleared this up in no time months ago. But instead she attempts to play on people's sympathy. The people who might sympathize with her are few, for how many people defaulting on their mortgage have full health benefits. "
Again, Ms. Jones' letter clearly points out how she allowed herself to be left in the dark and that the family fell into foreclosure. All the while though, they are able to maintain their savings. Seems like someone taking advantage of the situation to me. Especially once you consider the lawsuit against the bank which only serves to stall the eviction from this house.
Of course a comment or two from Ms. Jones could have cleared this up in no time months ago. But instead she attempts to play on people's sympathy. The people who might sympathize with her are few, for how many people defaulting on their mortgage have full health benefits. "
SayWhat wrote on Feb 1, 2011 7:38 AM:
" So what has any of this last tirade had to do with Carter's Grove and/or Colonial Williamsburg?? About the only thing now missing from this string is the ever pressing need to refill the Powell lake bed. "
To VG Editor wrote on Feb 1, 2011 3:40 PM:
" I, very seriously and respectfully, am utterly confused and do not want to in any way violate your terms of use.
This is your web-site, therefore your rules, under your control and “personal attacks are prohibited”
I respectfully ask why repetitive and vicious lies about others go without recourse, while verifiable factual responses to these claims are censored.
Again, I do not want to in any way violate your terms of use and am respectfully asking for clarity herein. Thank you in advance for your response "
This is your web-site, therefore your rules, under your control and “personal attacks are prohibited”
I respectfully ask why repetitive and vicious lies about others go without recourse, while verifiable factual responses to these claims are censored.
Again, I do not want to in any way violate your terms of use and am respectfully asking for clarity herein. Thank you in advance for your response "
Well Now wrote on Jan 27, 2011 6:35 PM: