IT DOESN'T MATTER whether you call it a rebirth or renaissance: The new community of New Port at Victory is fast becoming the sign of things to come in Portsmouth.
Developed by Portsmouth Venture One and built by Chesapeake Homes, the planned community occupies the site where Academy Park once stood, just west of Norfolk Naval Shipyard.
"Academy Park was a World War II project for shipyard and war effort workers," said Fred Brusso, special projects administrator for the city.
About 1,600 single-family and duplex houses were built on the 300-acre property from 1941 to 1942.
"These were supposed to be temporary housing," said Brusso, noting that after the war the houses were sold, leased and then renamed Fairwood Homes.
Revitalization began after the aging, deteriorated Fairwood Homes was razed four years ago. New Port at Victory's single-family and two- and three-story townhomes now take their place. The community will have 1,500 homes when complete.
The 13 single-family models have 1,700 to 2,800 square feet and cost $249,900 to $319,900
A pedestrian-friendly community, the development features a pond, greenways, walking paths and benches and a unique layout of streets that redefines the sense of community.
"New Port at Victory is
what we consider to be a walking community," said LaVerne Jones of Today Homes Realty.
A clubhouse with kitchen for hosting events, cabana and fitness center, Olympic-size swimming pool, children's play area and parks help make this a family-oriented community.
Bide-A-Wee Golf Course is within walking distance, and the new campus of Tidewater Community College will be built nearby. The groundbreaking for Victory Village Shops, a 135-acre commercial and retail park, will be in the fall.
With street names such as Paradise and Harmony Drives, it's hard not to believe that residents of New Port at Victory have found their own little piece of heaven. Amy Daniel is one of them.
The 32-year-old moved into her three-story townhouse in May and couldn't be happier. Her parents were in the market for a new house when they learned about the new construction.
"They didn't buy one there, but I did," Daniel said. "I think this community is up and coming. New Port at Victory is
like a suburb right in the heart of the city. I think this is the best-kept secret in Portsmouth."
Sandra J. Pennecke, pennecke@cox.net
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