The city-owned property sits along the Elizabeth River at the former Holiday Inn site. Portsmouth acquired and demolished the hotel, and the waterfront parcel has remained largely vacant since that redevelopment effort ended.

City officials are seeking a mixed-use redevelopment that could include multifamily housing, a hotel, restaurants, shops, entertainment and public waterfront amenities. Those uses are goals for the solicitation, not an approved final project plan. The EDA has not publicly identified the shortlisted teams or disclosed proposal contents.

Selection is scheduled for November

The solicitation schedule calls for proposal evaluation and interviews from September through October, followed by developer selection in November. Portsmouth officials have said they want to select and onboard a developer by the end of 2026.

No developer has been selected and no final project approval has been announced as of Aug. 10, 2026. The Crawford Bay solicitation is listed in the city’s 2026–2030 strategic plan as a short-term economic-growth action, while the plan identifies construction as a longer-term objective. The plan also calls for cleaning up the site and using it as public space until construction begins.

What Crawford Bay is—and why the next step matters

Crawford Bay is the city’s approximately six-acre redevelopment site on the downtown waterfront. The city/EDA describes the project as a mixed-use opportunity meant to introduce new housing and a new hotel, along with dining and public waterfront spaces—partly driven by a desire to expand the “welcome mat” for visitors arriving in the downtown area.

From RFQ shortlisting to a second-phase RFP

The key change for residents is that the RFP phase is not a restart. The EDA says the second-phase RFP is publicly available for download, but only the three development teams shortlisted through the March 2026 RFQ are invited to submit proposals.

In this stage, the EDA is asking teams to provide more detailed development concepts and financial offers that can shape the ultimate selection of a development partner.

The “fast-track” timeline that led here

The EDA meeting minutes from April 21, 2026 show how the procurement sped forward:

• March 4, 2026: RFQ issued
• March 16, 2026: pre-proposal conference
• May 7, 2026: RFQ submission deadline
• By May 29, 2026: RFQ shortlisting scheduled
• June 2026: EDA plans to issue the RFP to developers
• Aug. 31, 2026: invited teams’ formal proposals due (second-phase RFP)
• End of 2026: stated goal to select and onboard a developer

That final “end of 2026” timing is a goal, not a guarantee; evaluation and negotiations can still take time.

What the city/EDA says it wants to see in proposals

While the submitted plans won’t be final until the EDA and partners negotiate a deal, the city/EDA has indicated the development concept should include a mix such as:

• Multifamily housing
• Entertainment, plus restaurants and shops
• A new hotel
• Public amenities and public waterfront spaces along the riverfront

What to watch next during the RFP review

Once proposals are submitted on Aug. 31, the practical questions for residents will be how teams balance competing priorities:

• Housing outcomes: what kind of multifamily plan is proposed
• Visitor/downtown uses: how entertainment, dining, and retail could fit the surrounding downtown
• Public access and design: what parts of the waterfront are truly public, and how amenities connect people to the Elizabeth River

Because the RFP phase is limited to the three shortlisted teams, it’s about selecting the best-fit proposal—not restarting the process from scratch.

Sources

• WHRO (Toby Cox), July 15, 2026 — Crawford Bay redevelopment fast-track and RFP deadlines
• Portsmouth Economic Development — Crawford Bay development/RFP project page
• Portsmouth EDA meeting minutes (April 21, 2026) — Crawford Bay procurement update

Portsmouth police confirmed Thursday that the third and final teen previously reported missing from a local behavioral health facility has been found safe. With this update, all three youths connected to the case are now accounted for, bringing closure to a situation that had drawn sustained attention from families, residents, and regional authorities.

The search unfolded over several weeks and coincided with periods of winter weather that added urgency and concern. Officials did not release additional details about the circumstances surrounding the recoveries, citing privacy considerations. However, police emphasized that there is no ongoing public safety threat related to the incident.

Authorities thanked the public for remaining alert and patient as the situation developed, noting that community awareness played an important role during the search period.

City Services and Schedule Notes

As February continues, city officials are reminding residents to stay aware of upcoming schedule changes tied to the holiday calendar. Several Portsmouth offices and service providers are preparing for closures later this month in observance of Presidents’ Day.

Residents who rely on in-person services are encouraged to check department calendars ahead of time to avoid disruptions. Online services are expected to remain available during most closures, but response times may vary depending on staffing.

City calendars also show a lighter public meeting schedule in the coming days. The next regular City Council session is planned for mid-February, following the holiday period. Agendas and meeting details are typically posted in advance for those wishing to attend or follow along.

Emergency Alert Status

As of Friday morning, Portsmouth’s emergency alert system remains in the green status. This indicates there are no active emergencies, major incidents, or road closures affecting the city at this time.

Officials continue to encourage residents to remain enrolled in local alert systems, especially during the winter months when weather conditions can change quickly. Alerts are used to share time-sensitive information, including public safety notices and service disruptions.

Looking Ahead

With calmer conditions expected heading into the weekend, city leaders suggest taking a few minutes to review emergency notification preferences and stay informed about upcoming meetings and service schedules. Staying connected helps ensure residents receive accurate information when it matters most.

Sources

• https://people.com/2nd-girl-who-ran-away-from-behavioral-health-center-found-safe-11897424
• https://hr.portsmouthva.gov/64/Emergency-Alert
• https://humanresources.portsmouthva.gov/Calendar.aspx

Portsmouth residents are advised to prepare for winter conditions as a Winter Weather Advisory is in effect until 4:00 AM on February 5, 2026. The advisory warns of potential snow accumulation and colder temperatures. Residents should exercise caution on the roads and stay updated with local weather reports.

U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Escanaba Returns with Seized Narcotics

The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Escanaba has returned to Portsmouth after successfully interdicting 3,520 kilograms of cocaine, valued at over $102 million. The operation disrupted illegal narcotics smuggling and contributed to regional security efforts. The crew’s dedication and professionalism were commended by officials.

Rivers Casino Portsmouth Celebrates Grand Opening

Rivers Casino Portsmouth, Virginia’s first full-service permanent casino, celebrated its grand opening on January 23, 2023. Located adjacent to the Tidewater Community College – Portsmouth Campus, the casino offers a variety of gaming options and entertainment, contributing to the city’s economic growth and providing new recreational opportunities for residents and visitors.

Sources

• National Weather Service
• U.S. Coast Guard News
• Rivers Casino Portsmouth