PROJECT:               HAMPTON, VIRGINIA:

PEMBROKE AVENUE

WORK PROGRAM

AND ACHIEVEMENT: The City of Hampton has observed rapid industrial expansion in basic industries as well as service activities although little room remains for the location of new companies. The result has been an exodus from the City to suburban industrial parks. The City requested that TPA staff evaluate the potential use of an old street which was historically industrial in character for redevelopment as the center of a distribution and supply complex which would effectively serve modern industrial tenants. Problems with the corridor included diverse and disinterested owners, outmoded utilities and land use conflicts.

TPA's principal undertook a market feasibility study of a supply and distribution center which would be oriented to modern trucking requirements versus traditional rail service. We worked with a local engineering firm in the evaluation of costs and benefits associated with the provision of space for distribution purposes. We also recommended a strategic plan for limited acquisition and redevelopment in order to achieve maximum impact on the corridor as a whole.

The City obtained voter approval for a bond issue which includes industrial corridor redevelopment. Implementation of the recommended market and financial strategy will result in the rehabilitation of an entire sector of the City for contemporary industrial use.