Norfolk eyes Harbor Park entertainment district

An entertainment and nightlife district could be in the cards for the area surrounding Norfolk‘s upcoming $750 million waterfront resort casino near Harbor Park.

The city owns most of the property around the casino site and the ballpark, controlling almost seven acres in an area bordered by the Elizabeth River, railroad tracks and Interstate 264. Development ideas under consideration for these parcels include hotels, unique dining options not found downtown, condominiums, music venues, live shows, clubs and shops.

“We’re in visionary mode,” says Norfolk Economic Development Director Sean Washington. “We are starting to lay the groundwork for what we believe can be the art of the possible.”

Casino owners Boyd Gaming and the Pamunkey Indian Tribe opened a temporary gaming hall on the casino site in November as construction continues on the permanent structure, slated to open in the fall of 2027.

The city does not have a definite timeline for developing the district. “This is not a concrete project in itself,” Washington says. He adds that patrons’ response to the casino will be used to determine the viability of an entertainment and nightlife district. “That will help answer the question of what the highest and best use could look like.”

Noting that Norfolk is 97% developed, Mayor Kenneth Alexander envisions a pedestrian-friendly district with entertainment, commercial and residential components.

“Norfolk is the center of Hampton Roads,” he says. “We have a rare opportunity to design something new. It really would be a destination where people can live, work and play.”

He adds that an entertainment district would diversity Norfolk’s economy. “Spending on consumable food, beverages, hotel, admissions and parking enterprises is more lucrative,” Alexander says. “For every $500 spent in an entertainment district because of multiple taxes, the city collects $50. That helps fund education, public health, resilience projects and public safety.”

It would also help attract young professionals to the region, Washington says. “We have a tremendous quality of life story in our downtown, but other thriving downtowns have entertainment and nightlife components.”

Additionally, Norfolk is investing $25 million over at least five years to upgrade Harbor Park to maintain Major League Baseball standards, including renovating signage, seating and the dugouts.

“We want to make sure the quality and experience at both Harbor Park and the casino are seamless,” Washington says. “We know we can build something special.”