Developers present Waterside plans

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - Tuesday, Norfolk city leaders and residents heard from two developers who want to makeover Waterside.

This was the first time city council heard directly from the developers vying for the job. 

"I think we need to restore this place to its rightful condition," said Norfolk Vice Mayor Anthony Burfoot.

Each developer had the floor for an hour.  First up was the Cordish Companies , based out of Baltimore.

"We are going to keep the building, but greatly change it," explained David Cordish.

Cordish's idea is to redevelop Waterside into "Waterside Live".  The venue, filled with restaurants and entertainment, would be similar to the Power Plant in Baltimore.

"The Power Plant there is just sharp," Norfolk resident Linwood Fisher said.  "It's a very dynamic place and open to the waterfront."

The $30 million idea would make Waterside a community gathering spot, the living room of the community as Cordish called it.

"Many of our projects...were where somebody else failed before us, and we take it over and revitalize it," Cordish added.

View the Cordish Companies' presentation below

Norfolk-based Harvey Lindsay Development Group has a far different plan for the building.

Developer William Hudgins wants to start from scratch and build a conference center on the site.

"We have one of the most beautiful ports that's bound to grow," said Hudgins.

The $200 million plan also includes a new marina, two hotels, but more importantly, it crosses over Waterside Drive into Downtown.

"We think the connection across Main Street and into our urban core is the magic of our plan," Hudgins explained.

View the Harvey Lindsay Development Group's presentation below

The city manager will now decide which proposal is the best and make a recommendation to council.

Councilman Tommy Smigiel told WAVY.com what he was looking to hear was whether the city would be required to spend any money. An idea he opposes. Smigiel said if any plan required city money, to him, it's dead on arrival.