Norf Native

In todays news: https://www.pilotonline.com/2023/06/15/new-renderings-outline-plan-changes-for-headwaters-resort-and-casino-in-norfolk/ The developers of the Norfolk casino project are abandoning plans to build a temporary casino next to Harbor Park stadium and instead say they will build the permanent gaming and resort components in two phases. HeadWaters Resort and Casino will be the city’s first casino. Initially, the city sought to house a temporary casino inside the baseball stadium while the permanent structure was built. But that idea was scrapped last year, and a plan for a 45,000 square-foot temporary casino was proposed for Harbor Park’s parking lot and was expected to replace 300 parking spots. A project spokesperson said as recently as last month that plans for the temporary casino structure were still it the works. But new renderings released this week outline changes for the resort and casino, with the entire project planned to be built in two phases. Phase one will include a 90,000 square-foot “initial facility,” with a 45,000 square-foot casino floor, complete with a sports bar, restaurant and lobby, according to Jay Smith, a spokesperson for the project. Project leaders also plan to build a parking deck with 1,200 parking spaces. Phase two will consist of the hotel, pool, spa, entertainment venue and other resort amenities. HeadWaters announced this week it submitted a development certificate application for the first phase of the project. If the city approves the plans at the end of the summer, Smith said construction could begin at the end of the year. There is currently no set schedule for construction on phase two, he said.

On the agenda for 27 July planning commision: New Business: 1. HEADWATERS RESORT & CASINO, for a development certificate at 200 Park Avenue.

Tidewater Gardens to get new name and nice progress shot https://www.pilotonline.com/government/local/vp-nw-new-name-tidewater-gardens-20230307-6r67ytzkgfgrfb2lj5kdhnzrum-story.html

Does anyone know about this? What is the law firm planning? This is from the 26 January Planning Commission agenda.

"As part of the agreement, the Developer shall commence construction within 60 days after the Closing Date and follow the construction schedule terms. The Developer has secured financing with Virginia Housing and is working to close within the next sixty days. Virginia Housing does not accept rights or reverter on their loans, but VH has financing requirements and timelines that will arguably give the city adequate assurances that the project we have negotiated for will be completed". Doesn’t look like they will break ground this year.

Good news for Norfolk International... Norfolk International Airport sees increase in passenger activity in August | WAVY.com

I found this article on the 500 Nations Casino website... Norfolk considers new plan for temporary HeadWaters casino September 11, 2022 "The Pamunkey Tribe wants approval to build a temporary casino within six months to operate while construction is underway at the HeadWaters Resort & Casino. The HeadWaters Casino is expected to open by November 2024. The Norfolk temporary casino would replace more than 300 parking spaces with a 35-foot tall, single-story building. The total size would be 45,000 square feet and include a casino, a restaurant and a bar. The type and number of gaming machines has not been disclosed. Final approval for the plan must come from the City Council after the building permits are approved".

Continuing from the St Paul's thread... From City Council 23 Aug agenda... "As part of the agreement, the Developer shall commence construction within 60 days after the Closing Date and follow the construction schedule terms. The Developer has secured financing with Virginia Housing and is working to close within the next sixty days. Virginia Housing does not accept rights or reverter on their loans, but VH has financing requirements and timelines that will arguably give the city adequate assurances that the project we have negotiated for will be completed". So, this project will likely break ground before the end of the year.

I remember the building before it was torn down. The city tried to get a developer to take it over but no one stepped up to the plate. It had deteriorated to the point where it was unsafe so it was demolished. Sad

This is an interesting (and surprising) article: www.wfae.org/charlotte-area/2022-07-18/getting-off-the-bus-how-charlotte-lost-75-of-its-passengers-in-less-than-a-decade

If we had decent urban planners in this area then buildings would not be pushed back from the street like we see most of the time and parking would be located inside or to the rear. Also, there wouldn't be acres of grassy lots and wasted space in front of buildings. smh...

Norfolk in negotiation with Pharrell's team. Norfolk in ‘early negotiations’ with Pharrell’s development team to revitalize Military Circle mall, officials say – The Virginian-Pilot (pilotonline.com) While a winning bidder has not yet been announced, Norfolk city officials say they have narrowed their focus to the Military Circle redevelopment proposal put forth by musician Pharrell Williams' development group. That proposal includes a 16,000-seat arena.

Here is a much better rendering of the apartments proposed for Va Beach Blvd at Newtown Road. This is on Tuesday's council agenda.

Good to know things are moving along - slowly but moving nonetheless.

There is a new 418 unit apartment development proposed for 6659 E. Virginia Beach Blvd (where the mobile home park is located at Newtown Rd). This is listed on the 23 June planning commission agenda.

Here it is…disappointing https://www.breedenconstruction.com/our-work/lake-taylor-pointe/

Ok, now I remember. The city rejected the first proposal because they didn’t think it was suitable correct? I never saw what is being proposed for the site now.

Is this the development next to IKEA on North Hampton next to USAA? They also proposed this development but it’s not off Kempsville https://norfolkdevelopment.com/updated-design-for-the-proposed-poplar-hall-apartments/

I would have thought the other casino licenses would have come pretty quickly since Danville recently got theirs. Oh well...

Regarding Texas de Brazil, I think they are just using the recent shootings downtown as a reason to break their lease at the mall. Crime is up nationwide (not just in Norfolk) and everyone knows that malls are dying, even Greenbriar is predicted to close in the coming years. They were looking for a way out. My $0.2...They'll head to the suburbs somewhere.

So how many years does it take to get the license? Sheesh...

Groundbreaking

Any updates from the State of the City address?

They were not removed. They are under all that grass.

I hope the city is actively trying to get that land back. The piles are already driven so maybe Granby Tower can resume at some point (I know, that's wishful thinking).