NORFOLK, Va. — Developers with HeadWaters Resort & Casino are preparing to take their next steps in the application process with Norfolk city leaders.
HeadWaters Resort & Casino spokesperson Jay Smith said a preliminary site plan includes details about the overall project layout, offsite roadway improvements, utility connections, site elevations, and drainage.
"We submitted our preliminary site plan application, and that really sets in motion the next step which is for our development certificate application and final site plan application to be submitted to the city in early December," Smith said.
Norfolk leaders still have to review those applications and sign off on the entire project.
Smith said the architectural review board and planning commission should be able to review the applications in January. City council could vote on whether to approve HeadWaters' plans in February.
RELATED: Norfolk officials, Pamunkey Indian Tribe say meeting on stalled casino project was 'productive'
Back in July, casino developers were slated to present to the Architectural Review Board. Instead, The Pamunkey Indian Tribe and Norfolk leaders met. What they discussed was not publicly revealed, but in a statement, both sides expressed commitment to getting the project off the ground.
Smith said project managers remain interested in a two-phased construction approach.
"The first phase would include casino floor, a restaurant, parking structure, and some back-of-house operations. That would open in 2025," he said. "Immediately after that, we would work on phase 2, which would be the hotel tower, additional restaurants, more casino space."
Based on this timeline, developers aim to break ground in 2024. They are looking to transform the property near Harbor Park, where elements like the Elizabeth River Trail and access to Amtrak and the interstate are in play.
"How all these things connect together were things that had to be worked through. I feel like we're in a good place and excited to move forward," said Smith.