Downtown Initiatives

Project Description
Project:  In accordance with the Downtown Vision Plan presented to City Council in summer 2016, selected work will be completed as a single project:1-Garden Bridge Lite – to include bridge rehabilitation, landscaping, paving, lighting, creating biking and walking lanes and iconic lettering. 28th St Bridge is not owned and maintained by the City of Newport News, but is owned and maintained directly by VDOT.2-28th St Streetscape to include creating biking and walking lanes3-James River Strand Park – Connect Christopher Newport Park to Victory Landing Park along the river from 28th St terminus with promenade/boardwalk, overlooks and an emphasis on the view of the river.4-23rd St/Restaurant RowThe Historic Downtown is re-emerging with the completion of transformative projects that create new, positive opportunities for underdeveloped properties and infrastructure. With recommendations from the Superblock Charrette planning exercise and the current Downtown Reimagined plan, dollars have been included for parking management studies and market analysis for the project area, implementation of upgrades to entryways at 26th and 28th St, Washington Ave improvements and connectivity, and preparation for dining and entertainment along 23rd St.  These funds support dynamic public action on land assembly, infrastructure and public amenities related to and in support of future Superblock development. Waterfront redevelopment extending north from Victory Landing Park through Christopher Newport Park, including reuse of the Greek Church, development and redevelopment in the vicinity of the Apprentice School, public-private partnerships connected with new hospitality, residential, commercial offices and retail, as well as other impactful positive enhancements to the Historic Downtown will be stimulated and supported.The James River Strand Park was selected as the first project in support of the Downtown Initiatives Community Development Capital Project plan. CDB 09/05/2018Performance/Outcome:  Through direct public investment, Downtown Initiatives will change a declining portion of the City in multiple ways. One of the most crucial aspects of the Downtown Initiatives project is the cultivation and promotion of a positive image of the City, particularly among the millennial workforce. The City will engage in direct marketing and public relation strategies aimed at improving the public perception of the Downtown as an attractive and dynamic destination. A vibrant downtown will encourage and attract private investments, create jobs, stimulate the local economy, increase property values and make the historic downtown more inviting to visitors. These initiatives will also expand opportunities for housing, entertainment and employment.
Project Manager
Carolyn Bowman
757.926.3667
bowmancd@nnva.gov
Inspector

How does this project serve Newport News’ citizens?

Relationship to Comprehensive Plan Themes
  • Prosperous & Resilient
  • Sustainable
  • Accessible
  • Healthy & Safe
  • Respects its Uniqueness
  • Balances Good Places & New Spaces

Schedule

Activity Start Finish % Complete
PE/Design 02-Jul-2018 30-Jun-2028
79%
PE - Preliminary 02-Jul-2018 30-Jun-2028
79%
Project Closeout 04-Jun-2024 30-Jun-2040
12%

Comments

Performance/Outcome:  Through direct public investment, Downtown Initiatives will change a declining portion of the City in multiple ways. One of the most crucial aspects of the Downtown Initiatives project is the cultivation and promotion of a positive image of the City, particularly among the millennial workforce. The City will engage in direct marketing and public relation strategies aimed at improving the public perception of the Downtown as an attractive and dynamic destination. A vibrant downtown will encourage and attract private investments, create jobs, stimulate the local economy, increase property values and make the historic downtown more inviting to visitors. These initiatives will also expand opportunities for housing, entertainment and employment. 01/30/2020

The James River Strand Park was selected as the first project in support of the Downtown Initiatives Community Development Capital Project plan. CDB 09/05/2018 01/30/2020

Project:  In accordance with the Downtown Vision Plan presented to City Council in summer 2016, selected work will be completed as a single project: 1-Garden Bridge Lite – to include bridge rehabilitation, landscaping, paving, lighting, creating biking and walking lanes and iconic lettering. 28th St Bridge is not owned and maintained by the City of Newport News, but is owned and maintained directly by VDOT. 2-28th St Streetscape to include creating biking and walking lanes 3-James River Strand Park – Connect Christopher Newport Park to Victory Landing Park along the river from 28th St terminus with promenade/boardwalk, overlooks and an emphasis on the view of the river. 4-23rd St/Restaurant Row 01/29/2020

The Historic Downtown is re-emerging with the completion of transformative projects that create new, positive opportunities for underdeveloped properties and infrastructure. With recommendations from the Superblock Charrette planning exercise and the current Downtown Reimagined plan, dollars have been included for parking management studies and market analysis for the project area, implementation of upgrades to entryways at 26th and 28th St, Washington Ave improvements and connectivity, and preparation for dining and entertainment along 23rd St.  01/29/2020

These funds support dynamic public action on land assembly, infrastructure and public amenities related to and in support of future Superblock development. Waterfront redevelopment extending north from Victory Landing Park through Christopher Newport Park, including reuse of the Greek Church, development and redevelopment in the vicinity of the Apprentice School, public-private partnerships connected with new hospitality, residential, commercial offices and retail, as well as other impactful positive enhancements to the Historic Downtown will be stimulated and supported. 01/29/2020

Map

Contracts

Contract Name Contractor/Consultant Start Finish Contract Amount Paid To Date

The data contained on this page is for general information purposes only. While endeavoring to keep the information up to date and correct, the City of Newport News disclaims any responsibility for the accuracy of the data. Please verify with the project manager before making any decisions or taking any actions based on this information.