VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Three companies have submitted proposals to build on the Dome site, according to a city spokesperson.
Deputy City Manager Ron Williams will brief the city council about the ideas on Tuesday. The city could also start to solicit more ideas from other companies starting this week with a formal Request for Letter of Qualifications with the goal of having mutually desired proposals between the city and developers.
The Dome site was once a popular entertainment venue until it was torn down. The city has spent years trying to find a new plan for the area, which is around 19th Street and Pacific Avenue.
The Cordish Companies submitted the idea for a live performance theater and luxury apartments. The Breeden Company has the idea to also build a 3,500 capacity performance theater as well as a rooftop restaurant. Venture Realty Group sent the city a proposal to build a large entertainment themed anchor with retail.
City Councilman John Uhrin says a development could this part of the Oceanfront during the off-season. "If it's done right, it's going to add additional entertainment offerings for folks that are coming from out of town as well as the people that live here," he said.
The area could also include an area as financing for the proposed project is still being worked out. Uhrin says both could work. "It's a completely different show," he said. "It's a different experience. It would be programmed differently as well."
Local business owners believe the project could benefit them, as well. "It's very exciting to see so much positive change and growth happen at the same time," said Dwayne Appleton, the owner of Java Surf.
