NORFOLK, VA. — The Cordish Cos. and the City of Norfolk have opened Waterside District, a $40 million overhaul and rebranding of the former Waterside Festival Marketplace. The restaurant-heavy development is situated along the Elizabeth River waterfront in downtown Norfolk. Waterside District is anchored by The Market, a 30,000-square-foot food hall designed by Jeffrey Beers International that features local and regional concepts such as Starr Hill, Rappahannock Oyster Co. and Cogan’s Pizza. The Market will also feature a stage for live events. Other tenants at Waterside District include Guy Fieri’s Smokehouse, Blue Moon TapHouse, PBR Norfolk, The Fudgery, Chipotle and Stripers Seafood, as well as Harbor Club, an 8,000-square-foot mixed-use space overlooking the river for dining, cocktails and private events. Waterside District has created roughly 1,000 jobs for the local economy. Cordish signed a 50-year lease with the City of Norfolk for $1 per year featuring two 15-year extension options, according to The Virginian-Pilot. The newspaper also reports that Cordish will manage and operate Waterside District as per the lease agreement.
