NORFOLK, Va. (WVEC) -- We are weeks away from the grand opening of Waterside District -- the new entertainment hub in Downtown Norfolk which developers hope will become 'the living room' of the city.
On any given day, there are almost 200 workers on the site along Norfolk's waterfront. Every inch of the old The Waterside is being re-imagined.
"There's a lot going on," said Glenn Sutch, President of Waterside District.
13News Now joined Sutch for a hard-hat tour of the mega-project.
First stop: The Market, a 30,000 square-foot, wide-open area in the middle of the building.
"It will be filled with bars and eateries, so a great meeting spot," explained Sutch.
Luk Fu, Carolina Cupcakery, Rappahannock Oyster Co., Cogan's Pizza, and Star Hill Brewery are among the dining options visitors will find in the space.
There also will be a deli and a coffee shop which will open daily at 6 a.m.
Walk over to the east side of the Market, and you hit the entrance to PBR and Guy Fieri's Smokehouse.
PBR, a country-themed bar, will feature several stages and a mechanical bull. Sutch hinted that several national acts already are signed to perform at the bar.
"The garage doors roll up, and there will be about 300 more seats for people to enjoy the beautiful skyline of the city outside," said Sutch.
There are to allow local food trucks to park outside PBR, giving people more options for food.
On the other side of the building, the Blue Moon Taphouse is coming along. The bar will boast several stages for local and regional acts, as well as hundreds of beers on tap, and an extensive food menu.
The new venue allows the outside feel to come inside. Garage-like doors, like those at PBR, have been installed alongside the back of the building and can be lifted.
Remember the old amphitheater-style seating along the Elizabeth River? Sutch said there are plans to add a stage, which will be buzzing with street performers and musical acts on weekends.
"This is going to be a place for the whole family," Sutch noted.
Just west of the stage will be an outdoor bar and a green space Sutch refers to as "The Yard."
"This is going to be a pretty neat area. It will be all social gaming. It will be bocce ball, corn hole, and life-size checkers and chess," he explained.
People can visit The Yard without going inside the building at Waterside District. Four-legged friends also are welcome in The Yard.
If you're looking for something with a little more class, head upstairs to the Harbor Club where people can enjoy panoramic views of the Elizabeth River, a stylish interior, and a signature food and drink menu.
Sutch said the big announcement on the grand opening is coming "very soon." He hinted that several big musical will help celebrate opening week.
In the days leading up to the opening, Waterside District will continue holding daily interviews for people interested in filling the thousand jobs the venue is set to bring.
Click here to learn more about the restaurants and bars that will be there.