Revive the Mall or Lose It | Virginia Beach News

What if Norfolk’s aging MacArthur Center Mall got a second life as a bustling indoor sports and entertainment hub? Visionaries propose turning the space into a pickleball paradise, ice rink, climbing wall, and live music venue — all while keeping existing infrastructure like elevators and parking. Beyond recreation, the plan includes health clinics, grocery stores, and pharmacies to serve downtown residents and even cruise ship visitors. But not everyone’s cheering — local boaters are demanding a return to Norfolk’s “Harbor of Hospitality” legacy, calling for a simple dinghy landing to welcome sailors and revive waterfront tourism, honoring the spirit of Harborfest’s founder, Capt. Lane Briggs. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/acb47383f2252343