Portsmouth Virginia, Department of Economic Development

Old Towne montage

Historic Districts

Clustered around the downtown waterfront are neighborhoods each unique in their charm. Touring Cradock, Olde Towne, Park View, Port Norfolk and Truxtun gives the feeling of a tour through the years. A portion of the Downtown Portsmouth commercial corridor was also recently designated a historic district. In preserving these districts, Portsmouth is helping them renew their sense of community.

Cradock – Established in 1918 to house the influx of workers at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard during World War I, Cradock is laid out in the form of an anchor with Afton Square, the town square, as its focal point. Over 750 cottage style single-family homes were built along with schools, recreational land, churches and commercial areas.

Downtown Portsmouth – This newest district established in 2004 is located south of the
Olde Towne Historic District and is more service-oriented. Commercial buildings along High Street reflect the character of the middle and merchant class business operator. A diverse religious population is reflected in the many churches of almost every denomination marking the Portsmouth skyline. The styles of the buildings vary by time period, with a few remaining Federal and Greek Revival houses. At the turn of the 20th century, there were many revival styles, including Classical, Renaissance, Gothic and Romanesque.

Olde Towne – Established in the 18th century as the city's original neighborhood, Olde Towne is located in the northeastern corner of the city overlooking the Elizabeth River. This historic core of Portsmouth encompasses over 20 blocks of 18th and 19th century style Federal and Greek Revival and Victorian homes, and is America's largest collection of historic homes between Alexandria and Charleston.

Park View – Facilitated by the electric trolley line running from the Naval Medical Center, Portsmouth, and named after the hospital's public park, Park View was established between 1888 and 1892 and was one of the first neighborhoods outside of Portsmouth's original 18th century core, Olde Towne. There are more than 300 homes of varying styles in Park View, although the Queen Anne houses with towers and gables were popular.

Port Norfolk – Developed in the late 19th century Port Norfolk accommodates the growing demand for more suburban style neighborhoods, with convenient access to Downtown. This planned suburb was designed with the freestanding Queen Anne style of wooden houses and bungalows. It has served as the glebe of Portsmouth Parish and Trinity Church, a strategic landing point during the Revolution, and as a farm.

Truxtun – Developed in 1918, this 42-acre, 250-home neighborhood was the country's first government housing project for African Americans working at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard during World War I. Built close together with varied roof styles, Truxtun's houses offered modern day conveniences such as indoor plumbing and electric lights.

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