Proposed Updates to the Heart of the Resort Area

Virginia Beach leaders are discussing fresh ideas to update Atlantic Avenue, the main thoroughfare through the Oceanfront resort area. A local task force recently presented recommendations to City Council that focus on improving the street experience for tourists and residents alike — with a goal of creating an environment that stands out and feels inviting from the moment you arrive.

Why Atlantic Avenue Matters

Atlantic Avenue runs from Rudee Loop up toward 42nd Street and connects hotels, shops, restaurants, nightlife spots, and access points to the boardwalk and beach — making it one of the city’s most trafficked corridors. In recent years, conversations about how to evolve the area have been ongoing, with planners balancing community needs, tourism priorities, and cost considerations.

Task Force Recommendations: A Street With Personality

The task force’s proposal covers several practical improvements that could change how Atlantic Avenue feels and functions:

• Enhanced Safety & Mobility
They’re suggesting raised crosswalks at key intersections to slow and calm traffic, and a redesign that would convert an existing trolley lane on the east side of the avenue into dedicated bike lanes — supporting safer movement for people on two wheels.

• Public Art and Aesthetic Upgrades
Adding public art throughout the corridor is part of the vision, helping to give the street character and give visitors “photo-worthy” spots that feel unique to Virginia Beach.
In select blocks between 17th and 24th streets on the west side of Atlantic Avenue, the task force envisions micro-commerce zones — small areas that could extend dining, retail, or experience space into the street itself, similar to parklets seen in other cities.
Recommendations include adding some street parking south of 16th Street, repaving worn sections of pavement, and unifying lighting along the avenue to create a more cohesive look and safer nighttime experience.

Keeping Costs in Check

One big part of the discussion is funding. Earlier plans to update the Oceanfront district had ballooned to well over $100 million, but the task force’s recommendations could be implemented in a much smaller range — roughly $30–$35 million — making it more feasible for the city to act on them.

What This Could Mean for the Experience on the Avenue

Taken together, these changes reflect a shift toward prioritizing people-oriented space over just moving cars. Bike lanes and raised crosswalks can make the corridor safer for pedestrians and riders, while parklet-like micro-commerce areas promise to enliven street activity and support local businesses. A cohesive lighting plan and public art could give the heart of the resort area a more intentional identity that sets Virginia Beach apart from other coastal destinations.

Next Steps

The task force’s recommendations now go to City Council. If approved, the city won’t necessarily need a new vote to set aside money — because funds are already in the budget for Oceanfront improvements. That means implementation could move forward relatively quickly, though design work and phasing will still take time.

Final Thoughts

While big sweeping redevelopment isn’t on the table right now, the proposed tweaks to Atlantic Avenue represent a thoughtful approach to enhancing the visitor experience and supporting local businesses. By focusing on safer crossings, bike-friendly routes, activated street space, and art, Virginia Beach could be shaping a more inviting Oceanfront for years to come.