Norfolk Reallocated Funds for Casino Parking Deck
City Council diverted $2.96 million to help clear space for new parking near the city's casino and Harbor Park.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Gambling
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The Norfolk City Council has approved the reallocation of $2.96 million from a planned office renovation to support the construction of a new parking deck. This infrastructure project aims to address parking concerns near the upcoming $750 million casino, Harbor Park, and the local Amtrak station.
Why it matters
The decision underscores the city's ongoing efforts to manage the logistical demands of massive infrastructure growth, including the $220 million Maury High School rebuild and the $750 million casino project. Adding new parking capacity is a key component in preparing the area for the high traffic expected when the casino opens in 2027.
The new parking deck carries a total project cost of $15 million and is scheduled for completion in fall 2027. Breeden Construction has been contracted to build the facility near the site of the future casino.
The players
Norfolk City Council
The local governing body responsible for legislative decisions regarding public funding and urban development projects.
Breeden Construction
A private development and construction firm tasked with building the new parking deck infrastructure.
Hg80
The master developer currently leading the redevelopment of the former MacArthur Center site.
The details
Workers are currently operating six days a week in three shifts to keep pace with the $750 million casino development. The city's investment in the $15 million parking deck is intended to facilitate access to the venue, which will feature 1,500 slot machines and 50 table games.
Timeline
April 2025: Hg80 was named master developer of the MacArthur Center.
June 2026: The MacArthur Center mall officially closed.
August 2026: Stage one of the Maury High School rebuild finished.
Late August 2026: Llewellyn Avenue reopened to traffic.
November or December 2026: City Council will review the MacArthur Center agreement.
Culture Shift
This parking initiative reflects a broader societal shift as Norfolk transitions from traditional retail-focused urban centers like the former MacArthur Center toward new, large-scale entertainment-driven developments. The city is balancing the logistical demands of these projects to ensure the downtown area remains accessible during long-term construction.
Residents and visitors should expect ongoing construction activity throughout the downtown area as work continues on both the casino and the new parking deck. These projects are set to reshape traffic patterns and parking availability near major hubs like Harbor Park for several years.
The takeaway
Large-scale urban redevelopment requires significant investments in supporting infrastructure to manage increased traffic and visitor volume. Local residents should remain informed about ongoing construction schedules to navigate downtown Norfolk effectively.
What happens next
The Norfolk City Council is scheduled to review the master agreement for the MacArthur Center redevelopment project in either November or December 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in the industry by visiting the Gambling section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Virginian-Pilot.
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