Overview
A first-of-its-kind mixed-use district blends year-round surfing, entertainment, retail, and hospitality to reimagine the Virginia Beach oceanfront as a vibrant, walkable destination.
Challenge
Coastal cities face mounting pressure to activate waterfronts beyond seasonal tourism while preserving authentic local character.
Virginia Beach sought to reimagine a neglected oceanfront area marked by disinvestment into a year-round destination that honored its surf heritage. The challenge: seamlessly integrating a surf lagoon, live performance venue, and pedestrian-focused landscape into a dense coastal setting within the city’s existing urban fabric. The design needed to create vibrant indoor-outdoor connections while catalyzing revitalization and economic growth.
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Why this mattered
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Solution
Designed by Hanbury, Gensler, and Cooper Carry, Atlantic Park delivers an integrated, pedestrian-first district that unites surfing, entertainment, retail, hospitality, and public space.
Through layered landscape design, adaptable architecture, and indoor-outdoor connectivity, the project creates a cohesive coastal experience. Anchored by the surf lagoon, The Dome entertainment venue, The Dome entertainment venue, The Sitio hotel, and the Atlantic Park Living residences, the design transforms the oceanfront into a day-to-night environment with year-round vitality. The immersive, walkable destination reflects Virginia Beach’s surf legacy while supporting its future growth.
What changed because of this
01
Honoring Surf Heritage
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02
Entertainment Venue
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03
Community Impact
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Seamlessly integrating a surf lagoon, live performance venue, and pedestrian-focused landscape into a dense coastal setting.
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- 5,000
- Seat Live Nation Amphitheater
- 365
- Days of activities
- 24/7
- Mixed Use Spaces
- 5,000
- Seat Live Nation Amphitheater
- 365
- Days of activities
- 24/7
- Mixed Use Spaces
Impact
Atlantic Park has redefined the Virginia Beach oceanfront as a vibrant, year-round destination that celebrates surf culture and coastal living.
By uniting the right mix of uses to create 24/7, 365-activity, the project attracts locals and visitors while catalyzing economic activity and public life. Its walkable design, authentic landscape, and flexible venues foster social connection and resilience. The mixed-use district positions Atlantic Park as a new civic anchor and a model for how cities can reinvest in waterfronts to drive cultural and urban renewal.
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Recognition
Travel and Tour World highlighted the advanced wave technology at Atlantic Park, designed by Hanbury, Gensler, and Cooper Carry. The 46-module WaveGarden Cove system manages the water flow of Virginia Beach and creates a controlled flow of waves for surfing.
Travel + Leisure spotlighted the new, $350 million Atlantic Park development, designed by Gensler, that pays a “cheeky nod” to the park’s history and features a “state-of-the-art performance space.
Surf Park Central spotlighted Atlantic Park as a perfect addition to the popular Virginia Beach destination. The surf park features a 5,000-person Live Nation Amphitheater and new restaurants and retail stores for visitors, increasing revenue for local businesses.
FAQ
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The team at Gensler.
The team at Gensler.
2024 by the team at Gensler.
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