Downtown Happenings

March 1, 2007

With its unique stores, restaurants, festivals, marinas, and more, downtown Hampton has become known as a great place to live, work, and play. And while residents celebrate the downtown area's rich history, they look forward to the many changes that are taking place there as well.

Economic activity in the downtown area is growing steadily. The total amount of private investment in downtown from 1988 to 2003 was just under 38 million dollars. Today that number is 75.2 million dollars, double the private investment that has come to downtown in the previous 15 years.

"Hampton is indeed undergoing a period of significant investment in downtown," said Hampton Mayor Ross A. Kearney. "It's something we can all look forward to."

Current development in downtown includes the Heritage luxury apartments featuring 140 units. Planning is also underway for the Kings Landing condominiums across from Carousel Park. Other new housing units include Eaton Street condos, a $4.5 million investment; and Bridge Street luxury condos and marina, an $18.5 million investment.

In addition, there are two upscale hotel products being planned for the downtown area. The JDR Court building will become corporate lodging for executives who want upscale accommodations while staying for extended periods, and the former Post Office building will be transformed into an upscale boutique hotel. Projected opening dates for both are late 2007.

To assure the smooth flow of current and future major economic development projects, the city developed the Economic Development Task Force, operating since spring of 2006. The task force evaluates the terms and conditions of projects that have potential value to the city. It examines projects in terms of adherence to Master Plan guidelines and economic feasibility, and ensures that the elected body is informed of projects and their progress.

Creating a safe environment in which to live and work is a primary goal for the downtown area. Downtown crime rates dropped this year in several key areas: aggravated assault (down 42 percent), shoplifting (down 34 percent), vandalism (down 15 percent), and motor vehicle theft (down 58 percent).

"A downtown area should be safe and attractive, and Chief Jordan has put mechanisms in place for just that purpose," said Mayor Kearney.

The city initiated a walking beat patrol this summer, and is planning a holiday walking patrol for the holiday season as well, as resources allow. The city has also initiated bike patrols in some of the outer areas of downtown.

Investing in downtown neighborhoods is another chief objective, and programs to enhance the quality of our downtown neighborhoods are showing success. In Olde Hampton, five new homes are under construction on Lincoln and Union Street, six properties have been acquired in support of the housing revitalization plan, and five blighted units have been demolished. The Olde Hampton Community Center and Grant Park are also being redesigned, with construction expected to begin in fall 2007.

At Pasture Point, the city was awarded close to a half million dollars in Disaster Recovery Funds from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development to support the shoreline restoration on River Street. Construction of the River Street Waterfront Park is expected to be completed in the next year. Through a Neighborhood Improvement Fund Grant several improvements were made on Pembroke Avenue: two neighborhood entrance signs were designed and installed and Crepe myrtle trees were planted on medians. In addition, one industrial property was acquired and demolished to support the Pasture Point housing revitalization plan.

Because of the neighborhood efforts in downtown, housing values last year increased in Olde Hampton by 24 percent and in Pasture Point by 43 percent. The home ownership rate increased in Olde Hampton by 12 percent and in Pasture Point by 14 percent.

"It's obvious that Downtown Hampton is seeing some notable change - with more to come," said Mayor Kearney. "And many of these programs could not be as successful as they are without the commitment, dedication, foresight, and talents of those citizens who have a vested interest in our Downtown area."