Three Hampton Roads revitalization projects receive $1M from state

Gov. Ralph Northam announced Tuesday that $1 million in Port Host Communities Revitalization Fund (PHCRF) grants will go toward three projects in Hampton Roads including revitalizing the vacant 57,792-square-foot Willis Building in Norfolk, making updates to the Menchville Marina to aid the state’s oyster industry and redeveloping the 51-acre Lovett Point property in Portsmouth for industrial use.

“With these three projects, we are making important investments that will help ensure our global economy continues to flow through Hampton Roads,” Northam said in a statement. “Transforming poorly functioning and unused structures not only promotes job growth and new opportunities, it will also improve the quality of life for all those who visit, live, and work in these communities.”

The funding, which was allocated by the General Assembly for fiscal year 2021, requires a 100% match from public or private sources. Eligible properties are those that may be redeveloped for any market-driven purpose. 

Details on the projects announced Tuesday are as follows:

• Menchville Marina, Newport News, $250,000. The project includes installation of three floating dock systems to increase mooring options and improve the functionality for the watermen. 
• Willis Building, Norfolk, $250,000. The EDA is reviewing development proposals, which include the renovation of the building for retail and office space, potentially for the city of Norfolk’s Department of Human Services, as well as for affordable housing. 
• Lovett Point, Portsmouth, $500,000. The city of Portsmouth will redevelop the 51-acre Lovett Point site, which includes the decommissioned BASF Chemical plant, for port-related industrial uses. The project is estimated to create between 50 and 100 permanent full-time jobs.

“The PHCRF grants will add great value to community development efforts and create jobs in Newport News, Norfolk and Portsmouth,” Secretary of Commerce and Trade Brian Ball said in a statement. “Currently, these sites are a deterrent to economic development in the surrounding port host areas and regions, and now they will be part of the attraction efforts.”

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