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Exploring Hampton Roads: Real Estate Tours with the Virginia Economic Development Partnership

Written on November 21, 2024

At the Hampton Roads Alliance, we understand the critical role that real estate and site selection plays in driving economic development. That’s why each year, we host real estate tours in partnership with the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP). These tours provide an opportunity to showcase the diverse and dynamic portfolio of properties and assets our region has to offer.

From sprawling industrial parks to state-of-the-art office spaces, the Hampton Roads region boasts a wide variety of sites ready to meet the needs of businesses in key industries such as advanced manufacturing, logistics, food and beverage processing, and defense contracting. By connecting our state-level partners at VEDP with these opportunities, we help ensure that the assets of Hampton Roads remain top of mind for businesses considering a move to or expansion in Virginia.

A Collaborative Effort to Highlight Regional Strengths

These tours take us to every corner of the Hampton Roads region, from bustling city centers to emerging industrial corridors. Our goal is to provide VEDP with an in-depth understanding of the region’s assets, demonstrating why Hampton Roads is a prime location for investment and growth.

This year, the tours spanned five days and covered properties across all 15 of our member localities, offering a snapshot of the region’s economic potential. Each site visit was carefully planned to showcase properties with high potential for development, unique features, or strong alignment with the industries we’re targeting.

Highlights from This Year’s Tours

Fairwinds Landing

Fairwinds Landing, located on the Elizabeth River in Norfolk, Virginia, spans over 111 acres with two 10-acre piers, more than 6,000 feet of berthing space, and deep-water access. There is also well over 1 million square feet of warehousing located within the site. Formerly known as Lamberts Point Docks, it is being transformed into a world-class Marine Logistics Center supporting offshore wind, shipbuilding, and transportation industries.

With $39.3 million in federal funding through the Port Infrastructure Development Program, the site has had significant upgrades to support offshore wind operations, heavy-lift activities, and cable loading. This redevelopment has already created hundreds of jobs and drive major economic growth, making Fairwinds Landing a critical hub for maritime innovation and logistics.

Phenix Commerce Center

Phenix Commerce Center, located in Hampton, boasts over 1.5 million square feet of prime industrial space in one of the region’s most sought-after locations. The property is ideally situated, with both buildings just 2 miles from I-664 and I-64, and within a 30-minute drive of the Port of Virginia. Building 1 spans nearly 535,000 square feet, while Building 2 offers almost 300,000 square feet. Both buildings feature ample truck parking and loading docks. Building 1 includes 56 dock doors (expandable to 104) and a cross-dock layout, while Building 2 has 31 dock doors (expandable to 68) and a rear-load configuration. With its outstanding location and proximity to key regional assets, this site is expected to attract strong interest once fully completed.

Coastal Logistics Center Phases I & II

Coastal Logistics Center Phase 1 is a class A warehouse/distribution facility that features 610,525 square feet of cross-docking space, with flexible availability ranging from 100,000 square feet to the full 610,525 square feet, catering to a variety of operational needs. Just a short distance away, Coastal Logistics Center Phase 2 offers 716,527 square feet of Class A speculative warehouse space, designed with build-to-suit capabilities to accommodate customized requirements. Strategically located less than 30 minutes from the Port of Virginia, these buildings provide unparalleled connectivity, with easy access to Route 460 and I-64. This prime location makes Coastal Logistics Center a top choice for businesses prioritizing efficient access to a major port and critical transportation networks.

1368 Progress Road

1368 Progress Road in Suffolk, Virginia, formerly known as “Smucker’s,” offers approximately 125,000 square feet of industrial space on 21.44 acres, including a 95,528-square-foot main plant and an 18,032-square-foot boiler and mechanical building. Located near the Port of Virginia in the Wilroy Industrial Park with M-2 Heavy Industrial zoning, the property is ideal for a variety of uses, including brewing beer or other beverage production. With additional office/flex buildings on the adjacent 1258 Progress Road parcel and immediate possession available, this site presents a versatile opportunity for industrial or manufacturing operations.

Norfolk Southern

The Norfolk Southern site stands out as one of the largest undeveloped properties in the region, offering immense potential. While a significant portion of the land is reserved for a rail-oriented user, discussions are underway regarding additional acreage that could support non-rail industrial uses, including the possibility of a data center. With 900 developable acres, this site offers limitless opportunities for construction and expansion. Currently designated as a Tier 2 site, it is under review for a Virginia Business Ready Sites Program (VBRSP) upgrade, further enhancing its appeal. Located just over a mile from Route 460 and 32 miles from the Port of Virginia, the site provides excellent connectivity, making it an ideal option for manufacturers seeking efficient product distribution. Its strategic location and scale make it a highly attractive opportunity for industrial development.

Kinney Tracts 1,2,3

The Kinney Tracts, located in New Kent County, offer a combined total of over 2,000 acres of prime, nearly level land across three parcels: Kinney Tract 1 (604 acres), Kinney Tract 2 (786.6 acres), and Kinney Tract 3 (700 acres). Each site is conveniently located within 5 miles of I-64, ensuring seamless transportation access. Kinney Tract 1 is particularly notable, backing up to the Pamunkey River with water depths exceeding 20 feet, making it an attractive option for investors seeking waterfront property. These sites are supported by some of the best utilities in the region, with ongoing improvements planned by the county to enhance their value further.

New Kent County’s strategic location between Hampton Roads and Richmond offers unparalleled access to robust logistics networks and infrastructure, making it a standout choice for industrial or commercial development. These tracts represent a rare opportunity to capitalize on the area’s unique geographic and logistical advantages.

1637 Green Mount Parkway

1637 Green Mount Parkway is home to the Green Mount Logistics Center, a premier 374,000-square-foot Class A warehouse and distribution facility located within James City County. This state-of-the-art building is subdividable and equipped with 74 dock-level doors, advanced sprinkler systems, and energy-efficient LED lighting.

Like many top-tier facilities in the region, Green Mount Logistics Center offers exceptional connectivity, with easy access to I-64 and proximity to the Port of Virginia. Ready for immediate occupancy, this versatile space is designed to accommodate a wide range of distribution needs, making it an excellent choice for businesses seeking a strategic and well-equipped location.

Why These Tours Matter

The Hampton Roads Alliance takes pride in its role as a regional expert and trusted resource for real estate solutions in economic development. By coordinating these tours, we position our region at the forefront of site selection conversations.

These tours also strengthen our collaboration with our local partners and VEDP. This exposure to regional assets ensures that our state-level partners are equipped with the knowledge and resources they need to promote Hampton Roads effectively. In turn, this helps attract new businesses, create jobs, and drive economic growth for the entire region.

Strategic Insights and Real Estate Expertise

At the Hampton Roads Alliance, we offer more than just site tours. We provide a comprehensive suite of Real Estate Solutions and Research Services to help our partners and prospects make strategic, informed decisions. Through our Business Intelligence division, we deliver in-depth research, market analysis, and customized insights to ensure that businesses, localities, and stakeholders have the tools they need to succeed.

Whether you’re exploring property options, seeking market insights, or planning your next strategic move, the Hampton Roads Alliance’s Business Intelligence division is here to support you every step of the way. With our comprehensive Real Estate Solutions and Research Services, we provide the data and expertise needed to make informed decisions about investment in the region. If you’d like to learn more about the properties we toured, discuss available sites, or have any questions about opportunities in Hampton Roads, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team is ready to help you unlock the full potential of our region and connect you with the assets that make Hampton Roads a prime destination for growth and success.

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