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Chrysler Hall plans $76M upgrade
The Broadway blockbuster “Hamilton” generated more than $1.2 million in admissions taxes for Norfolk during its monthlong engagement at Chrysler Hall in December 2019. However, city officials warn that similar productions could bypass Norfolk unless the theater undergoes major renovations. City Manager Chip Filer has propose[...]
The Visionary
The online version of this article includes additional material from Virginia Business’ interview with Pharrell Williams. Pharrell Williams is a 13-time Grammy winner, an Oscar nominee, a fashion designer, a film producer, a music superstar and innovator. He’s also a native Virginian — a point that comes across stron[...]
Hotel industry recovering, but unevenly
The hotel industry will continue its recovery from 2020 this year, but unevenly, according to the American Hotel & Lodging Association’s 2022 State of the Hotel Industry Report. “Hotels have faced enormous challenges over the past two years, and we are still a long way from full recovery. The uncertainty about the omicro[...]
Lawmakers debate human trafficking bill
RICHMOND, Va. — Legislators raised a few questions with a measure that would deploy hotel staff to help combat human trafficking. The bill introduced by Del. Shelly A. Simonds, D-Newport News, was heard Thursday in a House subcommittee. House Bill 258 would authorize the Department of Criminal Justice Services to create an[...]
Fifth District economy has moderate growth, Fed says
The Federal Reserve’s Fifth District (including Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, West Virginia and Maryland) saw modest growth but was constrained by supply issues and labor shortages, according to the latest edition of the Federal Reserve’s Beige Book, released Wednesday. The Beige Book is published eight times pe[...]
Ore. vacation rental company buys two Va. Beach businesses
Portland, Oregon-based vacation rental management company Vacasa announced Monday it had acquired two Virginia Beach companies: Sandbridge Realty and Beach Pros Realty. Vacasa did not disclose financial details of the transactions. The acquisitions mark Vacasa’s entry into Virginia. “Virginia Beach is a highly sought-after East Coast vacation spot. …The homes managed by Sandbridge Realty and […][...]
Va. Beach vacation company acquired by Calif. company
Mill Valley, California-based Vacatia Inc. has acquired Virginia Beach-based hospitality and vacation ownership company VSA Resorts, the timeshare owner and property management services provider announced Jan. 3. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed. VSA owns three Virginia Beach properties: Ocean Key Resort, [...]
Better together
“Cooperation” is a word Jim Noel uses a lot these days when speaking about the Greater Williamsburg region, which encompasses the city of Williamsburg and York and James City counties. As York County’s economic development director, Noel has watched as one of the most historically significant areas of the nation has wo[...]
Va. hotel revenues down 19% from Nov. 2019 levels
Virginia hotel revenues in November were 19% below November 2019 levels, according to data released Wednesday by STR Inc., a CoStar Group division that provides market data on the U.S. hospitality industry. During the same period, hotel rooms sold decreased by 12% compared with 2019 levels. The average daily rate (ADR) paid for [...]
Construction begins on Rivers Casino Portsmouth
Chicago-based developer and gaming operator Rush Street Gaming broke ground Tuesday on Rivers Casino Portsmouth, kicking off construction of the $300 million casino and entertainment complex. Located off Victory Boulevard, the complex will have a casino, BetRivers sportsbook, restaurants, a live entertainment lounge, hotel and e[...]
Hotels hit by supply chain disruptions
Supply chain disruptions are negatively affecting business revenue for nearly three in four hotels (74%), according to survey results released Wednesday from the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA). Supply chain disruptions were moderately or significantly impacting operations of 86% of respondents. More than half (5[...]
Construction begins on Hard Rock casino in Bristol
Construction has started on the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol’s temporary casino, with opening scheduled in the second quarter of 2022, Hard Rock International Inc. announced Thursday. Before its permanent casino is built, Hard Rock will build a 30,000-square-foot casino at the former Bristol Mall. It will feature 9[...]
