netcenter completes renovations to common areas in the 900,000-square-foot, mixed-use office and retail complex in Hampton, Virginia.

Region's Largest Office Building, netcenter, Continues Renovations

HAMPTON, VIRGINIA – While the technology infrastructure is in place, some renovations have been ongoing in the Divaris-leased and managed netcenter.  “The demolition work is done, office fronts are in place and renovations are complete in the northwest corner of the second floor,” says Michael Divaris, president of Divaris Real Estate, Inc. and head of the leasing team at netcenter, America’s newest corporate supercenter. “New hardwood floors have been installed.  The common area, which includes landscaping, vending machines and furniture have been completed, as has the exterior of the entrance.”

As the former enclosed regional shopping mall-turned largest office building in Hampton Roads, netcenter is a 900,000-square-foot, mixed-use office and retail complex, set on 52 acres in Hampton, Virginia.   The two-story workplace environment has the benefit of a technologically sophisticated business center with all the comforts and conveniences of an established urban space.  netcenter offers large, flexible open floor plans with 24-hour access, electronic security and a parking field for approximately 4,000 cars. 

All netcenter tenants have access to state-of-the-art technology services including, but not limited to:  Fiber Optic Network, Redundant SONET Ring, Wide Area Networking (WAN) solutions for customers with multiple sites, Fractional T-I Internet access, and commercial video cable. 

“Our goal is to finish the site work within 12 to18 months,” says Eric May, development manager for Concord Partners, the developers of netcenter. “We recently turned the corner to show people what the objective is – a building with Class A finishes on the inside, as well as on the outside.”

Divaris says that while the state of the office market in the first half of 2002 wasn’t exactly ideal, netcenter is in a unique position. “We have an advantage. People are downsizing and we’ve got the perfect space for that. Our rates are dramatically competitive compared to traditional Class A office buildings - it’s a Class A complex with lower rents than for its category!”

The property’s impressive list of office tenants has continued to grow over the past year.  Defense Contract Audit Agency signed a lease for 5,390 square feet. The U.S. Department of Veteran’s affairs, a military organization that serves veterans and their dependents in Virginia, leased nearly 4,000 square feet. Regional Job Support Network, a business assisting residents with job training and employment security, signed a lease for 2,400 square feet. These companies join AMSEC, a full-service supplier to the U.S. Navy and commercial maritime industry; Verizon; Newport News Shipbuilding; and The City of Hampton administrative offices. 

“netcenter provides a unique opportunity for tenants needing large floor plates,” says Divaris. “It combines office space and ancillary retail services in a pleasant and inviting atmosphere.”

The relaxed environment of netcenter is beneficial to the office employees, as with the retail services, employees can generally be more productive. “We’re looking to add more retail tenants,” says Divaris. “We want to provide convenient services to netcenter’s tenants. If someone wants to grab a bite to eat, or run a quick errand, he shouldn’t have to travel far to get it.”  An office supply store, a pack-and-mail service, a dry cleaner, a hair dresser and more restaurants, are just a few of the types of retailers being targeted.

A large portion of netcenter is already retail.  Sears, Picadilly Cafeteria, Foot Locker, ZAP! Communications and a deli are tenants in the supercenter.  Most recently, a 2,500-square-foot fitness facility opened for business. Tenants of netcenter can work out on the latest exercise equipment without having to travel. 

“This is a unique product,” says Divaris. “For the right companies, netcenter is ideal.”