Innovation Overlay District

What is the Innovation District project?

An innovation district is a place-based urban development strategy that aims to regenerate an under-performing area into a desirable location for innovative and creative companies and workers. An innovation district is a platform for all kinds of activity that stimulate innovation while offering value to entities that drive the economy. Innovation districts have proven to be practical solutions for cities to modernize their economies and pivot from traditional industrial-based production to technology-driven services. 

The City of Portsmouth is working with stakeholders and the surrounding communities to develop an economic development plan for the District.  The goal is to identify ways the City can support local entrepreneurs in imagining, starting, and running their own businesses, as well as to create physical features and spaces that will attract new residents and visitors.

Innovation Overlay District Map (click on image to enlarge)

Innovation District Zoning Map

Innovation District Draft Recommendations

Download the Innovation District Draft Recommendations Presentation by clicking the image

Innovation District Draft Recommendations

Innovation District Project Timeline

Public Meeting #2 – Economic Development and Land Use: April 27, 2023 (2pm-4pm and 6pm-8pm), Social Services building (1701 High Street), 4th floor conference room

Public Meeting #3 – Urban Design and Placemaking: May 16, 2023 (2pm-4pm and 6pm-8pm), Social Services building (1701 High Street), 4th floor conference room

Public Meeting #4 – Branding and Borders, Project Summary: June 16, 2023 (2pm-4pm and 6pm-8pm), Social Services building (1701 High Street), 4th floor conference room

Fall 2023: First draft of District Plan released to the public

Early 2024: Final draft of District Plan presented to City Council

What are the potential benefits of the Innovation Overlay District?

  • The Innovation Overlay District will provide the regulatory framework for the desired redevelopment and land use options.
  • The Innovation Overlay District will give the Uptown area a sense of place, an identity, and a vision for inclusive growth.
  • The Innovation Overlay District will facilitate the ability of the city to generate accessible jobs.
  • The Innovation Overlay District will contribute to economic growth by helping generate revenue.
  • The Innovation Overlay District will help to provide educational and skill-training opportunities for Portsmouth residents.

More Information about Innovation Districts

Innovation District Information https://www.brookings.edu/essay/rise-of-innovation-districts

Winston-Salem, North Carolina https://www.innovationquarter.com/

Indianapolis, Indiana https://www.16tech.com/

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma https://okcinnovation.com

San Diego,California http://www.ideadistrictsd.com/vision

Detroit, Michigan http://interface-studio.com/projects/detroit-innovation-district

Barcelona, Spain https://safesmart.city/en/district-22-barcelona

St. Petersburg, Florida https://stpeteinnovationdistrict.com/the-district 

Chattanooga, Tennessee https://www.chainnovate.com 

Gainesville, Florida http://innovationdistrictgainesville.com 

Boston, Massachusetts https://starthub.org/resource-type/innovation-district