Community Invited to Share Input on Iverson Landing at Public Session
Proposed luxury apartment development backed by Allen Iverson returns for public discussion on August 7 after earlier council rejection
Residents of Newport News are invited to attend a public information session on Thursday, August 7, to learn more about Iverson Landing, a proposed 120-unit luxury apartment complex planned for Old Fort Eustis Boulevard. The session, hosted by A4 Development Group, will take place from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at Woodside High School (13450 Woodside Ln).
According to the Newport News Now email newsletter (August 4, 2025), the session is an opportunity for community members to ask questions, share feedback, and engage directly with the development team. The input gathered will help shape the direction of the project as it heads back through the city’s review process.
Taking another shot
As first reported by Sandra J. Pennecke in The Virginian-Pilot (March 16, 2025), Iverson Landing is backed by Newport News native and NBA Hall of Famer Allen Iverson, in partnership with his longtime friend Alvin Keels Jr., managing member of A4 Development Group.
The proposed development includes three-story apartment buildings across six acres on Old Fort Eustis Boulevard, near Jefferson Avenue and adjacent to the Woodcreek neighborhood. The site is currently wooded and contains one vacant house slated for demolition.
Originally proposed earlier this year, the project was voted down by Newport News City Council in February 2025 in a narrow 4-3 decision. Councilmembers cited a lack of formalized proffers—voluntary commitments from the developer to address concerns such as traffic impacts, stormwater drainage, and buffers between neighboring properties. However, on March 11, City Council unanimously voted 6-0 to allow the developer to revise and resubmit the proposal, with a strong emphasis on public engagement.
Keels described the project as a “passion project” and said Iverson Landing aims to bring affordable luxury housing to the city. Mayor Phillip Jones and Councilman John Eley III both voiced support for revisiting the proposal, citing the city’s growing need for diverse housing options.
Developer Background
Keels and his firm, A4 Development Group, are no strangers to complex residential projects. As reported by Josh Reyes in The Virginian-Pilot (April 14, 2021), the group led the A4 Acres at Greenwood development in Portsmouth, a 280-unit apartment complex approved by City Council and planned for the site of the former Bonnevilla Apartments.
Despite facing similar concerns from local civic groups about density and zoning alignment, Keels emphasized the project’s goal of revitalizing underused land and providing quality housing. That project was designed to feature seven four-story buildings, a clubhouse with a coffee shop, green space, and a pool, with rents ranging from $1,075 to $1,600. Construction was projected to be complete by spring 2023.
What’s Next
Dates for additional community sessions on Iverson Landing are expected later this fall. Keels has indicated that the development team is refining the project plan and formalizing infrastructure improvements in response to earlier council concerns.
As housing demand continues to rise in Newport News, city leaders and developers alike are looking for solutions that meet community needs while promoting sustainable growth. The August 7 session will be a critical opportunity for residents to voice their opinions and help shape the future of this high-profile project.
A Newport News contributor produced this post with AI tools and these sources:
Newport News Now newsletter - August 4, 2025
Virginia Pilot: Allen Iverson-backed apartments planning to return to Newport News; developer to host community meetings
Virginia Pilot: 80 apartments are coming to Portsmouth’s Cavalier Manor, but some residents are not happy
