Newport News’ Historic Hilton Village is looking to improve its commercial corridor by enhancing alleyways and studying redevelopment of the former Bank of Warwick building on Main Street.
“We want to give the alleyway purpose other than a walk-through to maybe have pop-up events and be an outdoor creative space,” said J.B. Crowley, executive director of the Hilton Village Main Street program. “Maybe have the farmers market there.”
The Economic Development Authority entered into a memorandum of understanding with Historic Hilton Village Inc. to help implement a $50,000 grant from the Virginia Main Street program. The grant will fund planning to enhance the alley between Main and Hopkins streets as well as for redevelopment of the bank building at 96 Main St., which has sat empty for several years, Crowley said.
The plan, which Crowley said should be completed by October, will evaluate best practices for signage, public art and creative placemaking. The nonprofit organization will seek input from area residents and business owners to understand their needs, she said.
Crowley noted that local unique businesses are a staple for the area. Hilton Village Farmers Market is held year-round on Saturday mornings at First United Methodist Church’s parking lot. The neighborhood hosts several festivals, including Hilton Pride, Hilton Art Walk and Busker Festival and Hilton Village Spring Festival.
“It is an entrepreneur ecosystem,” she said.
Crowley is also working on making the area more accessible to allow people to age in place. Crowley, whose 16-year-old son uses a power wheelchair, recently gave a presentation at the Main Street America conference on how to best offer amenities to people living with disabilities.
The neighborhood has been in the Main Street America program since 2022. Historic Hilton Village was the first federally financed housing project during World War I. It was first planned and built in 1918-1919 to house shipyard workers.
“The city is really committed to this project, and I am grateful,” Crowley said. “For over 100 years it’s been a place to live, shop and do business.”
