The impressive, yet longtime abandoned Greek Orthodox Church in downtown Newport News is ready for a makeover.
Built in 1949, the former Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church sits on West Avenue near the Victory Arch and the Yard District. The church building was condemned in 1989 and has been vacant for 30 years, said Derek Perry, assistant director of city development. The property, in the newly designated historic district, is owned by the city’s economic development authority.
The city hired Richmond-based 3North Architects to develop concepts for the building and surrounding area. Concept recommendations included a restaurant, an event venue and an entertainment venue with a secret garden and elevated interior and waterfront dining, he said.
When it comes to repurposing ideas, Perry said, “Anything is on the table. We are open to private developers bringing us ideas. Whether it be a place for concerts, a restaurant, a brewery, we are open.”
The city maintained the iconic building for its classic Byzantine-style architecture instead of tearing it down for new construction.
“The church’s location is directly adjacent to the James River Strand, a new park project opening up the James River waterfront and connecting the existing Victory Landing and Christopher Newport parks,” he added.
The city received a $90,000 planning grant from the Industrial Revitalization Fund from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development to help pay for the firm’s $179,000 in work, Perry said.
The firm did a site and building analysis that included environmental analysis, code review and building condition assessment. It held two public forums for community input and performed a market study.
The area that received the historic district designation includes portions of downtown stretching from 23rd to 37th streets. The designation, given by the Virginia Department of Historic Resources and the National Park Service, offers tax credits to those who invest in buildings built between 1892 and 1973 in the area, he said.
The effort to repurpose the building is part of the city’s downtown revitalization efforts. Thus far, art murals, landscaping and new housing construction have taken place along with several restaurants being established on 23rd Street.
“This will overall complement what’s already been done downtown and the James River Strand,” Perry said.
