VIRGINIA BEACH — After years of contemplating more parking options near the convention center, the city is finally making a move.
The Development Authority is seeking proposals for a commercial or residential project with a public parking garage on the southeast corner of 19th Street and Parks Avenue. The property is currently operated as a public surface parking lot serving the convention center.
The 1.7 acres are adjacent to Wareing’s Gym and behind the ViBe Creative District’s park stage. It has 109 spaces, a fraction of the capacity of a multi-story garage, Peter Gaytan, a planner with the city’s Department of Economic Development, told a resort area transportation committee Thursday.
The Development Authority would own and operate the parking aspect and is interested in complementary uses including “commercial, office, residential, restaurant or retail,” according to the request for proposals, which was released July 21.
“Interested parties that plan to create a vibrant, diverse, and connected development, while also complementing the creative energy of the adjacent ViBe Creative District, are encouraged to submit,” the request states.
The request leaves the door open for the city to share the cost, though no dollar amount is mentioned.
Omitted from the list of potential uses is a convention center hotel, likely because of the size of the site. Multiple studies have concluded that the city needs a large hotel connected to the venue.
Earlier this year, the City Council heard details of a preferred plan for the central beach area, which includes the convention center district. City staff and consultants with Renaissance Planning and Dills Architects designed a plan for roughly 80 acres of land, which included recommendations for new residential areas and structured parking.
A review committee will rank the proposals based on several criteria, including:
Anticipated fiscal impact to be evaluated based on the respondent’s combined financial contribution as well as financial and operational viability, and whether the proposal presents a realistic, well-structured financial model that ensures long-term success. Any requested VBDA or City contributions to the project must be clearly stated.
The amount of public parking spaces and how quickly they could realistically be achieved.
The credentials of the respondent.
The compatibility of the proposed complimentary uses to the public parking structure and building form.
The conformity of the proposal to the Central Beach Small Area Plan vision, adjacent ViBe Creative District, and Resort Strategic Growth Area as a whole.
The highest-ranking proposals may be shortlisted for interviews with the committee, which will make a recommendation to the Development Authority and the City Council.
The deadline for submission is Oct. 20.
Stacy Parker, 757-222-5125, [email protected]
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