City Center at Oyster Point Thrives with Business and Community

A Brand-New Headquarters, Thriving Hotel, Tons of Successful Businesses, Restaurants, Shops and More—Everyone Wants to be a Part of This Dynamic Development
Oyster Point has always been a hotbed of business and a prime place for economic development in Newport News. The success of the once modest business park, coupled with the location’s ideal road grid—including two easy-access interstate entrances—made it an obvious choice for taking the area to the next level and creating the bustling City Center at Oyster Point we know today.
Since the first offices, retail shops and residences began opening in 2004, City Center has grown into a mixed-use development hub that is prime for all sorts of businesses. The district includes Class A office space in both mid- and high-rise buildings; plentiful options for shopping, dining and entertainment; two apartment communities; and a 25,000-square-foot hotel and conference center. Plus, the entire area is walkable and surrounded by an 8-acre Fountain Park.
While business here is booming, things are about to get even busier … and better. Ferguson Enterprises began construction in June 2018 on HQ3, a new eight-story, 260,000-square-foot headquarters that will double City Center's working population in the daytime and house 1,600 employees. This $80 million project, including the addition of a fourth public parking garage, is slated to be completed this summer and will lead to growth and gains for everyone in the development, says Florence Kingston, director of development for the City of Newport News.
“I see this as such a boost,” she says. We have always had a very strong office market, but this will really help restaurants and retail. There will be a growing interest in more variety.”
Kingston says Ferguson chose City Center for their third headquarters largely due to its sense of place and environment. They appreciated its proximity to the interstate as well as the ability to walk to banks, restaurants and more. Since the facility will be used for a lot of training, access to the Newport News Marriott Hotel at City Center was also an attractive factor.
“New neighbors means new opportunities to partner for corporate rates, group room blocks and meetings and events of all kinds,” says Brandon Johnson, director of sales and marketing for the Newport News Marriott Hotel at City Center. “Our restaurant, Kitchen 740, is frequented by the other businesses and by residents of City Center as well. City Center already has so much to offer, and we are excited for what the future holds for all of us.”
Johnson says the Marriott’s guests really value the walkability of City Center and all of the great dining and shopping options only steps away.
“Our team is also really enjoying being a part of the expanding lineup of events that happen throughout the year in City Center,” says Johnson.
Kingston agrees that events and amenities are very desirable when it comes to attracting and maintaining customers and a workforce. City Center will continue to plan regular events around the fountain and also invest in pop-up events and things that can attract families and keep people after work.
“We need to serve the daytime function of work and then keep them here or bring them in the evening,” Kingston says. “That’s what gives a vibe to the community and builds interest. We are trying to build a relationship and provide what they need to make them successful—a blend of community development and economic development.”
And this philosophy keeps businesses big and small coming to City Center—everything from specialty gift shops to bank headquarters like Langley Federal Credit Union and Old Point National or unique showrooms and remodeling centers such as Kitchen and Bath Shop.
Kingston says she’s banking on City Center’s continued success and possible expansion. Future plans include developing the land across Canon Boulevard.
“We will be improving upon what is here and making sure we stay relevant with the types of things that are going to be appealing,” she says. “This is the heart of the Oyster Point area, and we will continue to enhance the connectivity.”

For a full list of City Center amenities as well as the most current event schedule, visit CityCenterAtOysterPoint.com.