TCC’s Real Estate Foundation prepping College Point to be a dynamic, mixed-use development with open public access along the waterfront

Tidewater Community College’s Real Estate Foundation will develop what’s been deemed “the last and best large property available in Hampton Roads” into a dynamic mixed-use site. It is reminiscent of Virginia Beach’s Town Center and Norfolk’s East Beach community, which will combine businesses, residential and green spaces.

The 300-acre property in northern Suffolk, known as College Point, offers stunning water views, convenient freeway access and proximity to existing utility and communications infrastructure.

TCC's College Point is a 300-acre property in Northern Suffolk, offering stunning water views, convenient freeway access and close proximity to existing utility and communications infrastructure. — TCC’s College Point is a 300-acre property in Northern Suffolk, offering stunning water views, convenient freeway access and close proximity to existing utility and communications infrastructure.

West of Interstate 664 and south of the James River, the land, gifted to the college by the Beazley Foundation in 1968, was the original site of TCC’s Portsmouth Campus. The property is currently home to TCC’s Center for Workforce Solutions, a truck driving training facility and four facilities maintenance buildings, all of which will be relocated.

“In real estate, we always talk about location, location, location – and this property is in a prime spot with million-dollar views,” said Matthew Baumgarten, executive director of the TCC Real Estate Foundation, in giving an update to the Commercial Real Estate Women of Hampton Roads at its monthly meeting. “The site is the gateway to South Hampton Roads. I can’t wait to see lighted walkways along the shoreline with restaurants, breweries and residences making this a great place to live, work and enjoy life.”

The Real Estate Foundation intends to transfer ownership of 1.3 miles of shoreline of the James and Nansemond rivers to the City of Suffolk to create a gathering place for residents and a community park for all to enjoy. Suffolk has recently issued a Request-For-Proposal for study and design of the waterfront feature.

“Because of the proximity to many locations from Williamsburg to Town Center, this is a great strategic location,” said Kevin Hughes, director of economic development for the City of Suffolk.

College Point has been called the deemed “the last and best large property available in Hampton Roads”

Development in and around Suffolk’s Harbour View area is thriving. In addition to the recent opening of Hampton Roads Crossing, which includes retail shopping and numerous dining options, new apartments and single-family homes continue to be built along with health-care facilities.

The Real Estate Foundation will be the master planner of the property. All proceeds from this asset will be used to further the foundation’s mission of support to TCC’s academic programs and ongoing operations. Developers may purchase or lease portions from the foundation for uses that are consistent with the plans laid out by the foundation.

“It is truly a privilege to do this work that directly benefits TCC and the entire Hampton Roads community,” Baumgarten said. “I can’t wait to move forward and see what we can accomplish together.”

For more information about College Point, visit https://realestate.tcc.edu/.