NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — Newport News Mayor Phillip Jones said he has big plans for the downtown area, and notably, the Yard District.
“I see a place with the highest quality of life for residents, for sailors, for all of the shipyard workers," said Jones.
He credits the area’s transformation to the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative.
“They come in and they help 40 cities across the country solve really one complex and difficult problem," Jones said. "For Newport News, it’s always been, ‘How do we activate our downtown?’”
New businesses are setting up shop in the Yard District, like Corkscrews & Brews, which had its grand opening in June.
“We have coffee. We have wine. We also have frozen wine," said Co-owner Faith Reid, "which is different, but in the heat like this, it’s a nice summer treat."
Reid said she picked the location because she saw its potential.
“You know, back in the day, Newport News had like a stigma on it. But now, it just seems like it’s making a big change for the future," said Reid.
Aside from new restaurants and shops, events at Victory Landing Park are also drawing people to the area.
“I see the festivals down here. So, it’s just becoming a great area to live in, bring your kids here," said Reid.
Jones said one of the latest initiatives is a summer concert series called “Drop the Mic.”
“Imagine free music, imagine the waterfront. We’re going to have tents and cooling shelters. Come out. Bring your family. It’s a beautiful view, and I’ll be out there probably every week," said Jones.
“Drop the Mic” is every Thursday this summer from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Victory Landing Park.
