New Camp Morrison Vision: Transforming Newport News’ WWI-Era Industrial Park into Modern Housing

Transforming a Decaying Industrial Park into a Thriving Residential Community

In Newport News, discussions are intensifying around the potential transformation of Camp Morrison Industrial Park, an area that has seen better days. Overgrown with vegetation and marked by empty warehouses, the site's dilapidated state stands as a stark reminder of its once-vibrant past. Originally established as a World War I air service depot in 1917, the land transitioned to industrial use in the 1930s and '40s before falling into disrepair.

Now, city officials are eyeing this 110-acre plot for a significant redevelopment initiative aimed at addressing Newport News' housing shortage. Located between the bustling railroad tracks and the Warwick Village Shopping Center, the site is ripe for reinvention, though efforts to revitalize it have been ongoing for nearly two decades without substantial progress.

At the heart of the current proposal is a plan to construct a residential community comprising 638 homes. The development would feature a diverse mix of housing options: 201 single-family units, 237 townhomes, 96 duplexes, and 56 quadplex units. Additionally, the plan includes infrastructure enhancements such as wider roads (50 and 60 feet), open spaces with trails, and a dedicated dog park.

This initiative represents a broader strategy by the city to enhance housing availability. However, it diverges from a community-driven master plan developed in 2013. The new proposal features fewer units and smaller homes than originally envisioned. It also introduces proffers—such as allowing developer D.R. Horton to utilize more cost-effective construction materials—that have stirred debate among residents and stakeholders.

Community feedback on Morrison Station has been mixed. While many recognize the pressing need for additional housing, others express concerns about increased traffic, noise, and safety related to the adjacent railroad. A recurring theme among critics is the perceived lack of community engagement compared to earlier planning efforts.

Real estate agent Dana Robbins acknowledges the importance of expanding housing options but argues that discarding the 2013 proffers undermines years of collaborative work. She emphasizes that the proposed zoning changes—smaller lots and relaxed architectural standards—could erode public trust and prioritize financial gain over thoughtful development.

In response to community input, D.R. Horton has revised its proposal. According to spokesperson Jessica Hansen, adjustments include adding a representative to the design committee, increasing green space, enhancing buffers near the railroad, ensuring perpetual enforcement of design guidelines by a homeowners' association, and eliminating the use of certain exterior finishes.

Kyle Schnaufer, president of D.R. Horton’s Southern Virginia division, affirmed the company's commitment to creating a high-quality community while acknowledging the importance of addressing local concerns. He noted that prior community meetings were held to align the project with neighborhood interests.

Meanwhile, supporters like Jamika Bivens highlight the urgent need for revitalization. Her family, along with many others, was forced to relocate due to insufficient housing options in Newport News. For her, Morrison Station symbolizes hope—a chance to breathe life back into neglected neighborhoods and foster economic growth through local businesses.

As the Newport News Planning Commission prepares to vote on the updated proposal on August 6, the outcome will likely set a precedent for future developments and shape the city’s approach to balancing community needs with urban renewal.