The world of surf-anchored commercial real estate has grown to an all-time high in 2025. More developments are underway with a wave of innovative projects focused on creating residential, commercial and entertainment destinations centered around a human-made wave.
Surf Park Summit is the industry’s guide to this multi-billion-dollar industry. The annual gathering of industry professionals and newcomers heads to Virginia Beach, Virginia, this year and will include a tour of the most anticipated surf park of the year, Atlantic Park.
The destination stands as a case study for the future of surf parks and the world of commercial real estate. Years in the making, it uses a Wavegarden Cove as the centerpiece of a massive project that includes a concert venue, more than 300 apartments, over 100,000 square feet of retail and more.
With its grand opening on the horizon, we sat down with Blake Hess, COO of Beach Street Development, to explore the project’s vision, scope, and what’s next.
Surf Park Central: In your view, what makes Atlantic Park unique and what can visitors expect?
Blake Hess: Atlantic Park is going to be an amazing addition to the city of Virginia Beach. The surf community is going to value having perfect, consistent waves every day thanks to the Atlantic Park Surf. Beyond surfing, the park will host concerts at the 5000-person Live Nation amphitheater and will have all kinds of restaurant and retail options. The different offerings will help drive year-round traffic, increasing revenues for local businesses.
Surf Park Central: This is the first major surf park project completed on the East Coast. How will it impact the surf park industry?
Hess: Virginia Beach has been a key destination for the surf industry and competitive surfing for many, even though the natural wave quality is debatable. Bringing Atlantic Park Surf to Virginia Beach makes perfect sense by demonstrating what happens when you bring quality waves to an already developed surf community. In addition, the Wavegarden Cove will introduce landlocked beginner surfers to the sport, increasing its popularity.
Surf Park Central: What were some of the biggest hurdles in developing this project?
Hess: The entitlement process and funding are huge hurdles in any project. We have been working with the developer, Venture Realty, on the surf portion for years, and the diligence and tenacity displayed through the development phase are nothing short of impressive. I could go on for days, but building a surf lagoon is not easy; if it were, everyone would do it. One of the biggest issues for us was the water table, because we are so close to the ocean, the engineering and waterproofing were not easy.
Surf Park Central: As the surf park industry matures, what aspects of development were easier this time around for Atlantic Park?
Hess: I think we are still very early in the space, and I don’t really think things have gotten easier, but our experience running other surf lagoons has definitely helped in planning for operations.
Surf Park Central: What elements were considered essential to create an experience that extends beyond the wave itself?
Hess: I think the amenities are important in every project, but the Live Nation amphitheater next door makes this setting even more unique. The Dome has the ability to seat 3500 people inside and then open their large hanger doors to increase capacity to 5000 people total. The other night, they had their first outdoor concert, and it was almost magical listening to live music throughout the surf park.
Surf Park Central: What does the transition from development to operations look like for Atlantic Park?
Hess: This is difficult, wrapping everything up. We are not the developer, but have been working hand in hand with them as we begin operating. You have to improvise and divert from the plans you made years before in order to best prepare for opening. I love these challenges, and I have been blessed with a great team to open Atlantic Park. Our team is a mix of passionate local surfers and a few members I worked with at past surf lagoon projects. This was the perfect mix to start off strong.
Surf Park Central: What advice do you have for surf park developers?
Hess: Don’t wait to involve the operator, it is key in the initial planning stages and can save so much money in both the capex and opex budgets. You want to build a site that can be run efficiently and without actual surf lagoon experience; that is hard to do.
Register for Surf Park Summit 2025 to learn more about Atlantic Park.
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