Newport News officials announced that the long‑vacant 18,000‑square‑foot building that once housed the Unclaimed Freight Company will be torn down. The structure, located on Jefferson Avenue between Mercury Boulevard and J. Clyde Morris Boulevard, has stood empty for several years and was deemed unsafe by the city.

Owner Consents, City Moves Forward

A city notice posted on the building in August warned that demolition could proceed after October 31 if the owner did not address safety concerns. Property owner Howard Adkins later gave formal consent for the demolition, allowing the city to schedule the work.

Neighborhood Reaction

Long‑time resident Ron Cupp, who lives across the street, welcomed the news. “I’ve been living here 40 years. When I first moved here, it was a great place,” Cupp said, adding that tearing down the eyesore would make the neighborhood look better. He also noted that the former Burger King next door is vacant, underscoring the need for new investment along the corridor.

City Planning and Future Improvements

The demolition fits into a broader city‑wide effort to revitalize Jefferson Avenue. Over the summer, the Newport News City Council adopted a formal corridor plan after extensive meetings with residents and stakeholders. The plan aims to guide future growth, attract new businesses, and address community concerns about the concentration of auto shops and vape shops.

Heidi Dittmar, a resident who helped shape the plan, said, “There’s a lot to do around here and there’s access to a lot of points in the region. That’s why we chose to live here.” The city hopes that removing the derelict building will create space for new development that aligns with the corridor’s vision.

Next Steps

Construction equipment has already been staged on the property, but the city has not released a specific timeline for when demolition will begin. A city spokesperson indicated that they are working to obtain that information and will update the public when available.

City officials continue to engage with property owners and residents to ensure the demolition proceeds safely and efficiently. The removal of the vacant structure is seen as a tangible first step toward the larger goal of revitalizing Jefferson Avenue and improving quality of life for the Sedgefield community.

Original reporting: WTKR News 3 (Scripps) – local — read the source article.