Construction is 75 percent complete on Norfolk’s newest convention hotel

The Main, Norfolk’s new $150 million hotel and convention center, is heading into the home stretch. With just more than six months to go before its scheduled March 2017 opening, construction on the 300-room, 23-story tower is 75 percent complete.

About 400 construction workers are on site daily as the project continues to go up at the corner of Granby and Main streets in the city’s downtown.

The city and Gold Key | PHR property, based in Virginia Beach are developing the property.

The Main is being promoted as Norfolk’s premier meeting center, because it will have luxury hotel accommodations, meeting spaces, three restaurants and bars at one address.

One of its most prominent architectural features will be a 100-foot-tall ground floor atrium that will serve as a focal point.
“The large central atrium — coined the ‘Grand Central Station’ of the property — ties together all the public spaces, including the food and beverage outlets, hotel spaces and event spaces, creating a dynamic experience for the guest and onlooker,” Rob Uhrin said in a statement. He is a principal in Cooper Carry’s Hospitality Studio and one of the lead architects on the project.

In terms of meeting space, The Exchange at The Main will have 42,000 square feet of high-tech meeting space with 39 meeting room spaces, making it the largest conference space in Norfolk.

The Exchange also will include a collaboration room and two boardrooms as well as technology from audio/visual equipment to soundproof rooms. For larger groups, The Main ballroom will be able to accommodate 1,200 seated guests, making it the largest ballroom in Virginia with 18,500 square-feet of space.

“The Main is a transitional moment for Norfolk, filling a void in the downtown scene offering both locals and visitors a comprehensive hospitality experience,” said Gold Key | PHR CEO Bruce Thompson.

The lobby of the hotel, Hilton Norfolk The Main, will be located on the second floor. Eleven suites on the top floor will offer sweeping views of the city and the Elizabeth River. Other amenities at include a modern fitness facility and indoor pool.