PORTSMOUTH, Va. — A ribbon-cutting Wednesday afternoon at the brand-new Professional Building signaled a milestone of progress in the City of Portsmouth.
“A thriving downtown is the lifeblood of a community. Downtown should be busy and filled with people where culture, commerce, and community converge," Portsmouth mayor Shannon Glover said.
The nearly century-old building sits at 505 Washington St. It's in the heart of Portsmouth’s new Innovation District.
"Today's ribbon cutting represents more than just opening of a building. It marks a significant moment in our ongoing revitalization efforts here in historic downtown," Glover said.
The new mixed-use building will have 40 apartments and nearly a dozen store spaces. City leaders call the building a blueprint for the future of the city, and also applaud the fact that it will address the shortage of housing for workers and military in the area.
With more plans for future developments on the way, local shop owners on High Street hope the changes can make the Innovation District both vibrant and inviting.
"Everything that's happening around the Portsmouth area, we're just being part of the solution as far as being competitive in the region and creating more opportunities for residents, workers, and families alike," Tony Goodwin said.
"I think it's very important not only for me, but for the whole community, not only old town but the whole of Portsmouth, because it is like a center point for the city," Deon Foster said.
You can read more on the announcement of the Innovation District here.