Norfolk breaks ground on new Waterside project

Public officials, representatives from the Baltimore-based Cordish Cos. and the curious turned out Wednesday for a long awaited groundbreaking on a $40 million renovation of Norfolk’s Waterside, a city-owned waterfront mall.

About 200 people attended the 11:30 a.m. ceremony on Waterside Drive. Cordish Cos. officials have spelled out their new vision for the site: a family friendly destination for restaurants and entertainment.

Based on feedback from the community, the developer decided to keep Waterside in the project’s new name.  It is among several major projects, including The Main Hilton Hotel and Conference Center, scheduled to open in early 2017, changing the skyline of the port city.

The groundbreaking comes two years after the development’s approval.

“Norfolk is moving forward to become one of the most dynamic and authentic urban waterfront communities in America,” Mayor Paul D. Fraim, said in a statement. “Major projects are developing that will diversify our economy and bring hundreds of jobs to our residents. We are delivering 21st century learning environments to our children, investing in small business growth, and creating innovative and visionary methods for land use and water management. All of this is part of what cities should do to become resilient and sustainable. We are excited about what our future holds.”

Cordish officials announced the project’s new name on Aug. 17. At that time, they said, the “annex” building added to the project in the 1990s would be demolished, returning the building to its original footprint and creating a future site for an expansion of the new Waterside District site.

Blake Cordish, vice president of The Cordish Cos., said in a statement, “We are extremely honored to have the opportunity to bring Waterside back to life, and transform it into a vibrant regional destination that will be a source of pride for the community.”