We know that several different localities make up the Hampton Roads region. But it sure seems like a lot of towns and centers have been cropping up lately.Some of these places aren’t really towns at all, and even their status as “centers” is questionable. But they sure are popular.To clear up some of the confusion, here’s a guide to the various developments with “town” or “center” — or “centre” — in their names. CLICK on each name to learn more. A disclaimer: we don’t have the space to list all of them. —
Peninsula Town Center
Where it really is: Hampton, including the former site of Coliseum MallWhat it really is: It isn’t a town, but a mix of stores, restaurants, offices and more than 150 apartments (above retail space). The $207 million development is under construction and expected to be finished in spring 2009. In addition to the new J.C. Penney and the old Macy’s already open, stores will include Target, Barnes & Noble and others.
Hampton Town Center
Where it really is: Hampton, at the intersection of Big Bethel Road and Hampton Roads Center ParkwayWhat is really is: Again, it isn’t a town, just a 42-acre shopping center with a wacky spelling; The center includes miscellaneous stores, restaurants and a 24-screen AMC movie theater that opened in 1998.
Oyster Point
Where it really is: Newport News, along Thimble Shoals BoulevardWhat it really is: Geographically, City Center is indeed located in the center of Newport News This 52-acre mixed-use district includes scores of stores, offices and restaurants, 365 homes (and growing), a hotel and a fountain park. Newcomers shouldn’t confuse the landlocked, $300 million City Center with Newport News’ historical downtown, which is located miles away on the southern tip of the city.
New Town Williamsburg
Where it really is: in James City County just west of WilliamsburgWhat it really is: not a town, but a mixed-use development within a county; As it name implies, it is rather “new” — it opened in 2005 and will grow to 1.1 million square feet of shops, restaurants and entertainment. There are 520 homes built or under construction now, with about 600 more expected in the next five years
Town Center Va Beach
Where it really is: Virginia Beach, the Pembroke area near the Independence Boulevard exit off Interstate 264What it really is: Anchored by Virginia’s tallest building — a new 38-story hotel and residential tower — Town Center is giving Virginia’s most populated and sprawling city a downtown feel. It encompasses 17 city blocks, 4.3 million square feet of homes, offices, shops and restaurants. Highlights include The Sandler Center for Performing Arts, P.F Chang’s China Bistro, and — who can resist — The Cheesecake Factory. Don’t confuse it with the Hampton development known as Peninsula Town Center.
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Harbor View Town Center Suffolk
Where it really is: in the northern part of a city, namely SuffolkWhat it really is: When finished in several years, the $553 million development will encompass 500,000 of office space, 300,000 square feet of stores, 150,000 square feet of medical offices, 750 hotel rooms and 1,200 homes. Currently within the boundaries of Harbour View is a Bon Secours hospital. A 16-screen movie theater is just outside the development.And, talk about a “Center” conspiracy — the same architectural firm involved in Harbour View also helped plan parts of City Center in Newport News and Town Center in Virginia Beach.
Hampton Place Hampton
Where it really is: next to the Hampton Coliseum in the parking lot next to I-64, not far from the Peninsula Town Center
What it really is: Well, it will indeed be a “place” in Hampton. The proposed 19-acre development costs about $250 million with a tentative completion date of 2011. The plan includes a 2,000-seat theater, a hotel, parking garage, restaurants, offices and 58 residential units The site for the master-planned regional hub is now bordered by the Coliseum events center, the Hampton Roads Convention Center, Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, and Hampton Power Plant retail center. Coliseum Mall, under a major redevelopment by a joint venture of Mall Properties and Steiner Development, is situated just north of the Hampton Crossroads project site. The site’s excellent visibility along Interstate 64, and strategic location next to the I-64 intersection with Interstate 664, will allow the Crossroads to place a signature new project in the City of Hampton. Project development plans for the Crossroads envision an active district within the City of Hampton, augmenting the leisure, events, and meetings focus of the adjacent Coliseum and new Convention Center. Crossroads facilities will likely broaden the destination appeal of this unique neighborhood, by providing additional things to do, events to go to, places to eat, and shops to browse through.
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