Harvey Lindsay to study feasibility of a new office tower in Norfolk

The city of Norfolk has granted Harvey Lindsay Commercial Real Estate an option to conduct a feasibility study on the construction of a new Class A office tower in downtown Norfolk that would be located at the corner of St. Paul’s Boulevard and Waterside Drive.

Mayor Kenny Alexander announced the possible project, along with several others, during an annual state of the city address on Friday.

In a statement about the project, Harvey L. Lindsay, Jr., chairman of Norfolk-based Harvey Lindsay Commercial Real Estate, noted, “a lot of exciting developments are happening in downtown Norfolk. And I thought the timing was right and the market is ready for a new office tower in Norfolk.”

Lindsay, who has been in the real estate field more than 60 years, developed Dominion Tower where his office is currently located. It’s directly across Waterside Drive from the proposed site.

HL Development, a division of Harvey Lindsay Commercial Real Estate, is spearheading the project. Dennis Richardson, the division’s president, says the goal is to develop an architecturally striking building that will crown the eastern gateway to downtown.

“The building will meet the objectives of providing a healthy building embracing sustainable principles and will complement other resiliency initiatives underway in downtown. It is our further hope that the development at this location will be a catalyst to invigorate other new development in the St. Paul’s Boulevard Corridor,” Richardson said in a statement. 

The architectural firm Hanbury is providing design services for the proposed project. Over the next few months, the Harvey Lindsay said it would conduct studies, planning initiatives and leasing efforts to make the tower a reality.

If the project moves forward, Harvey Lindsay Commercial Real Estate intends to move its offices to the new building.

Other projects announced by the mayor include a proposed development near MacArthur Center and a ferris wheel adjacent to Waterside District. 

The 12-story SkyStar Wheel is expected to open in May. The 137-foot-high wheel will have 36 climate-controlled gondolas that will lift passengers above the Elizabeth River on a ride that provides views of downtown Norfolk and the surrounding area.

“This attraction is the perfect compliment to Harbor Park, Town Point Park, Nauticus, and the Battleship Wisconsin.  The excitement is building for what will be a memorable summer experience, “Alexander said in a statement announcing the new attraction.

Waterside District, a dining and entertainment district on the city’s waterfront, opened last May following a $40 million overhaul of Norfolk’s Waterside Festival Marketplace.