Opening New Doors
Opening New Doors
February 3, 2025
Opening New Doors
Opening New Doors
February 3, 2025

Plans to Progress

Plans to Progress

The waterfront has been central to Newport News’ economy for generations and remains vital today. Ongoing investment in the Seafood Industrial Park waterfront drives growth and sustains industry, with 2024 being another high-water mark.

The City and EDA continue to make significant progress on the design of the CNI Seafood Market project in addition to improvements of the northern Seafood Industrial Park (SIP) harbor. Planned dock and pier improvements include dredging to increase capacity for watermen, demolishing the existing structure and installing modern piers equipped with water and shore power connections.

The Seafood Market will feature a 7,600-square-foot, multi-vendor facility with a fresh seafood retail area, prepared food stalls, a raw bar, a full-service bar, seating areas, a commercial kitchen and office space. The site will also include 3,000 square feet of outdoor gathering spaces. Construction of the facility is expected
to be complete by the end of 2026.

The EDA is wrapping up construction on the rehabilitation of 2510 Jefferson Avenue, preserving an integral piece of the historic Black business district on Jefferson Avenue. With funding support from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development’s (DHCD) Port Host Communities Revitalization Fund, Industrial Revitalization Fund and the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Choice Neighborhood Initiative Program (CNI), this project preserves the nearly 100-year-old building’s original façade while reimagining it as a modern hub for business activity.

The redeveloped property includes a café space, retail space and two office suites. At the end of 2024, the EDA authorized leases with the first tenants for the space: East End Café, a coffee shop offering specialty brews and fresh local products; Empower All LLC, a consulting firm dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs; and By K Michele, a hair salon relocating from another site on Jefferson Avenue.

Using $100,000 in funding awarded from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development through the 2024 Virginia Business District Resurgence Grant, the EDA established a modified Façade Improvement Grant Program, modified E-Commerce Grant Program and the new Southeast Community Rent Reimbursement Grant Program, further expanding the resources and opportunities for local businesses in the Southeast Community and removing barriers to accessing business programs.

The inaugural East End Business Expo took place at the Brooks Crossing Innovation and Opportunity Center, showcasing a powerful collaboration between the CNI Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC), City departments and partner agencies. This event highlighted a shared dedication to driving economic growth in the East End while empowering local entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners.

The expo offered a platform to promote business assistance programs to a diverse audience, connecting participants with valuable resources and support. It also served as an opportunity to spotlight the transformative initiatives reshaping the community, reinforcing the collective vision for a vibrant East End.

The development of the VPCC Workforce Training Center at 520 21st Street continues to progress following award of a design-build contract for the construction of the facility. This 16,000-square-foot facility, designed in partnership with the Virginia Peninsula Community College (VPCC) Educational Foundation and WM Jordan’s design-build team, aligns directly with Newport News’ goals to enhance trades training and economic development.

In September, the EDA authorized the $7.8 million design-build contract. Groundbreaking is scheduled for early 2025, with project completion anticipated by the end of 2025.

Projected to serve 200 welding students, 120 marine electrical students and 60 structural fitting students annually, this state-of-the-art center will strengthen the talent pipeline for key industry partners, including Newport News Shipbuilding. Additionally, the facility will complement ongoing CNI and Brooks Crossing Innovation and Opportunity Center initiatives, amplifying efforts in training, wealth building and industry collaboration. This facility exemplifies Newport News’ commitment to workforce development, offering high-quality training aligned with industry needs and creating new pathways for economic and career growth.