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Development Authority approves EDIP award for Groundworks headquarters expansion
Summary
The Virginia Beach Development Authority approved an Economic Development Investment Program Part A award of roughly $309,000 to Groundworks on Oct. 14 to support a new headquarters and job creation tied to an expansion at Corporate Landing Parkway.
The Virginia Beach Development Authority on Oct. 14 approved an Economic Development Investment Program (EDIP) Part A award for Groundworks to support the company’s planned headquarters expansion in the Corporate Landing area.
Groundworks, which the presenter said employs more than 6,000 people nationwide including about 543 in Virginia Beach and reported roughly $1.2 billion in revenue last year, is negotiating a 10‑year lease for roughly 23,000 square feet in a building under construction in Corporate Landing. The lease includes an option to purchase a proportional share of the building after five years; the presenter said lease payments would apply toward the purchase price. The authority’s recommendation was for an EDIP Part A award of about $309,000, split roughly between capital investment support and job‑creation incentives.
The EDIP presentation said the project would support expansion of Groundworks’ headquarters, investment in building construction and equipment, and the creation of new positions. Staff told commissioners the company described 75 new jobs tied to the expansion, with approximately 40 described as higher‑paid “tier 2” roles and 35 as “tier 1” roles. The presenter also described workforce training discussions, including plans for an apprenticeship program, and said the company expects to seek permitting and build the new facility in 2026.
Commissioners asked about site work and trail access; staff said the adjacent developer (identified in the presentation as BMK) is responsible for trail construction around the lake and that discussions about a pedestrian bridge would be handled by the developers as the projects move forward. The authority’s recommendation did not include public infrastructure construction beyond the incentive award.
Motion and vote: Commissioner Weiss moved to approve the EDIP Part A award and Commissioner Meeks seconded. The board approved the award by voice vote; the meeting record notes the motion carried.
Next steps: staff will complete the award paperwork and coordinate with the developer and building owner on permitting and any site‑access arrangements described during the presentation.
