Norfolk, Virginia

The City of Norfolk partnered with SGA to bring new life to the Harbor Park waterfront through the Norfolk Thrive Project. The area included more than 100 acres of land, much of it old industrial sites and brownfields that needed cleanup before they could be reused.

The plan focused on turning Harbor Park into a lively, walkable community that connects with Downtown Norfolk, the Waterside District, Norfolk State University, and nearby neighborhoods. It introduced ideas for mixed-use buildings, safer streets for walking and biking, new public spaces, and an extension of the Elizabeth River Trail.

A key part of the project was preparing for the future. Since Norfolk faces rising sea levels and flooding, the plan included man-made and nature-based resiliency strategies to protect the waterfront, reduce flooding risks, and support healthy marine life.

The plan was the impetus for initiating projects like the Water Street Open Space park, the USACE floodwall, I-264 transportation improvements, the casino, and St. Paul’s Blue-Greenway.

SGA also helped lead public meetings so that residents could learn about the plans and share their input. The result was a vision for a resilient, welcoming, and vibrant waterfront that will serve Norfolk for years to come.