Cultural Facilities
The Ferguson Center for the Arts, the Mariners’ Museum, the Peninsula Fine Arts Center, and the Virginia Living Museum are in Planning District II. These nationally and internationally renowned institutions, located near each other along the Avenue of the Arts and Warwick Boulevard, form the City's cultural corridor. Avenue of the Arts serves as the organizational spine of this cultural corridor and, as such, should be retained and enhanced as an entry boulevard into the City.
The cultural programs of these institutions enhance the quality of life in Newport News, the Peninsula, and southeast Virginia. Their contributions should be acknowledged and supported by the City.
Other institutions along the cultural corridor that contribute to the cultural experience in Newport News are Riverside Regional Medical Center and Christopher Newport University. Riverside Regional Medical Center offers informational seminars and programs as part of its service to the community. Christopher Newport University sponsors lectures, community forums and workshops as well as musical and theatrical productions at its Ferguson Center for the Arts. The center accommodates diverse activities as theater, meeting rooms and banquets. The theater is specialized for performances of the symphony, drama, opera, modern dance, and country, religious, and contemporary music concerts. These community facilities meet needs and desires for cultural enhancement and enjoyment. The former Yoder Dairy located on Oyster Point Road and owned by Christopher Newport University, is an extension of the University’s performing arts facilities.
Other community facilities in the Planning District include the Kiln Creek Country Club, James River Country Club, Warwick Yacht and Country Club, Women's Club of Newport News, Warwick Moose Lodge and Knights of Columbus which serve the community by providing places to meet and socialize. These facilities, along with the many churches and synagogues in the District, provide gathering places for the community.
Historic Sites
Planning District II includes the historic sites of Young's Mill, Morrison, Waters Creek, Hilton Village and Cedar Grove. Additional information on these historic sites is provided in the Historic Preservation chapter.