What does the future hold for Rudee Loop?
The City Council on Tuesday will consider several new proposals from three local prominent development groups to transform one of the last pieces of undeveloped land at the Oceanfront.
The proposals include:
NFL Hall of Famer Bruce Smith, along with Virginia Beach-based real estate investment company Armada Hoffler and real estate management company Madison Marquette of Washington: Mixed-use project with retail, three hotels, apartments, a parking garage and a 4-acre park with an entertainment stage and a dog park.
Gold Key|PHR, led by Virginia Beach developer Bruce Thompson. Two options: A 7-acre park with a skate park, dog park and surf hall of fame as well as a parking garage and apartments. The other option is a 7-acre park, a parking garage, apartments and a hotel where the existing Schooner hotel is located.
The Virginia Gentlemen Foundation, a nonprofit organization which built Grommet Island Park at 1st Street. Two options: A park with a skate park, playgrounds and stage as well as a parking garage, surf museum, a walkway to the jetty at Rudee Inlet and green space. The second option includes a boardwalk for fishing along the perimeter of the loop instead of the green space.
In May, the city solicited ideas from the public on the potential development of roughly six acres of Rudee Loop, which is a hodgepodge of parking lots bordered by Rudee Inlet to the south and Fourth Street to the north.
Virginia Beach wants to transform Rudee Loop into a “unique redevelopment with an emphasis on open space that attracts residents and visitors and supports surfing, fishing and outdoor recreation,” according to the economic development department.
The city plans to follow the recommendations of the 2030 Resort Area Strategic Action Plan, which states that public open space should be maintained at Rudee Loop.
Current zoning allows for mixed-use development in the area. Public views to the water and public access to the Boardwalk, the beach, the First Street Jetty, Grommet Island Park, Rudee Inlet and Rudee Walk will be maintained, according to the action plan.
Developers who submitted ideas needed to provide their “financial capacity” and show they have completed at least two projects of a similar scope. Following Tuesday’s briefing by Taylor Adams, director of the city’s economic development department, the City Council will meet in closed session to discuss its next move.
Stacy Parker, 757-222-5125, stacy.parker@pilotonline.com
