A transformative mixed-use development, Atlantic Park represents the synergy of history and modernity, redefining the Virginia Beach Oceanfront and cementing its place as a cultural hub for generations to come.
Led by the local developer Venture Realty Group and backed by music legend and Virginia Beach native, Pharrell Williams, the $335-million project is set to unify three city blocks in its initial phase. By integrating a surf park within urban residential offerings, alongside an indoor-outdoor entertainment venue, shops, restaurants, and office space over 10.95 acres, the development is designed to create a vibrant atmosphere that reflects the unique character of the local community and continues its authentic heritage of music and surf culture.
A 2.67-acre surf lagoon stands as the development's centerpiece. Powered by Wavegarden Cove technology, the surf lagoon will replicate natural waves, creating an authentic ocean-like experience for surfers of all levels. The first of its kind in the U.S., this state-of-the-art attraction is sure to make Atlantic Park a dynamic bucket-list destination unlike any other on the East Coast.
The development emphasizes a holistic lifestyle, combining the best of urban and natural elements to promote health and well-being. Occupant health is enhanced through tangible elements like ecology, biophilia, and thoughtful material selection. The design reintroduces nature into the site with a curated collection of public green spaces and landscaped gardens, creating a tranquil oasis within the bustling community. Thoughtfully crafted to nurture community and connectivity, the development features plazas, rooftop terraces, and outdoor recreation areas designed to maximize interaction with nature, encourage exploration, and offer relaxation.
Atlantic Park will be home to a new 70,000-square-foot entertainment venue that honors the legacy of "The Dome" - a beloved cultural landmark for over 35 years. The new venue will accommodate up to 3,500 guests indoors, expanding to 5,000 for outdoor events via retractable hangar doors. On non-event days, the surrounding amphitheater will transform into a welcoming community park, hosting art fairs, markets, free performances, and more, adding to the cultural vibrancy of the entertainment district.
With a strong emphasis on multi-family living, the development will offer a diverse collection of over 300 flexible options, ranging from studios to three-bedroom apartments. Its residential buildings feature elevated courtyards that serve as community spaces, offering views of both the surf lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean.
Gentle curves and recessed forms, soft edges, and spacious balconies connect private living spaces with verdant gardens, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor environments. A range of amenities enhances the resident experience, including a large pool deck overlooking the surf park, fitness areas, outdoor pet areas, and both indoor and outdoor communal lounges, as well as co-working spaces.
With its innovative design and community-driven approach, Atlantic Park is poised to create a new paradigm for urban design, offering a unique model for community-centered living and ushering in a new era of growth and cultural rebirth, one that promises to improve not only the urban landscape but also the lives of the people who call it home.
The design team is led by Hanbury, in collaboration with Cooper Cary and Gensler.