Navy and Newport News Launch $400 Million Downtown Housing Initiative

The city of Newport News, in partnership with the U.S. Navy, is set to embark on a transformative $400 million project to construct new housing for sailors in the downtown area.

This ambitious initiative seeks to provide 750 modern apartment units and 10,000 square feet of retail space, significantly enhancing the quality of life for service members stationed at Newport News Shipbuilding.

City Manager Alan Archer emphasized the project's potential impact, stating, "This is just the first of many steps for a very bright economic opportunity for our traditional downtown."

The development will replace existing structures, including the Huntington Hall site and the city-owned Julius Conn Gym, to make way for two 17-story towers.

The first phase will feature 555 apartments, 6,090 square feet of retail space, and a four-story parking garage with 1,050 spaces.

The second phase will add 195 apartments, 4,000 square feet of retail, and a 30,000-square-foot facility dedicated to Navy programming.

Construction is slated to begin in spring or summer 2026, with the city prepared to expedite the process.

Florence Kingston, the city's director of development, highlighted the collaborative effort, noting, "This is a major milestone for the ongoing partnership and collaboration with the Navy for sailor quality of service, and will be a boon for our existing revitalization work downtown that continues to gain momentum."

The Navy is collaborating with Hunt Military Communities on this project, reflecting a broader initiative to improve sailors' quality of life following previous challenges.

To support the development, Newport News has secured a $40 million interest-free loan from the state.

Mayor Phillip Jones expressed his commitment to seeking further support from the General Assembly to potentially forgive or convert the loan into a capital expenditure.

He remarked, "This is perhaps the best thing that we've done in a long time. This is going to completely change the skyline of downtown Newport News."

The City Council has also approved an additional $5.5 million to support downtown initiatives, including the Navy housing project.

This funding will aid in renovations and complementary investments related to the development, further bolstering the city's revitalization efforts.

As Newport News continues to collaborate with the Navy and state officials, this project stands as a testament to the city's dedication to enhancing the lives of its residents and service members alike.