Virginia Beach Will Convert Dairy Queen Into Substation
The city will relocate its police station to the 17th Street property after the restaurant closes in October 2027.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Law Enforcement
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Virginia Beach plans to repurpose the site of a long-standing Dairy Queen on 17th Street into a police substation. The transition is scheduled for October 2027 following the permanent closure of the franchise.
Why it matters
The move aims to address ongoing public safety concerns at the nearby 17th Street Park while providing the police department with better parking and visibility. It also allows the city to move away from an expensive monthly lease at its current 21st Street location.
The city paid $12.8 million to acquire the Dairy Queen building and park in 2022, while the current 21st Street substation cost $850,000 to retrofit. Richard Maddox currently pays $100,000 annually to lease the space.
The players
Richard Maddox
He is the current leaseholder of the Dairy Queen building on 17th Street.
The details
The city will relocate its law enforcement presence to the Dairy Queen building, where officers will use the parking lot facing Atlantic Avenue for increased visibility. This project follows the establishment of a temporary substation on 21st Street, which incurred high monthly operating costs.
Timeline
1995: The Dairy Queen franchise opened on 17th Street.
2022: The city purchased the building and adjacent park for $12.8 million.
2023: The police department opened a temporary substation on 21st Street.
October 2027: The Dairy Queen franchise will close permanently.
Legal Context
The transition marks a shift toward permanent infrastructure after a judge previously struck down an emergency all-ages curfew in the area. It demonstrates a move to enhance police presence through facility ownership rather than temporary enforcement measures.
Residents can expect increased police visibility and a consistent law enforcement presence near the 17th Street Park by late 2027. The city-owned substation intends to stabilize public safety in the area.
The takeaway
The conversion highlights a broader trend of cities securing physical assets to manage public safety in high-traffic parks. Residents should prepare for the closure of the 17th Street business as the city transitions the site for public use.
Further reading
For more information on local public safety, visit Law Enforcement.
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