April 2017 | Business View Magazine

82 83 The population of Hopewell plummeted to under 20,000. Over the next decade, war-relat- ed industries were replaced by other industries, several new companies moved to town, and the resurgence began again. “We’ve maintained a blue-collar industrial atmosphere for many years,” Dane says, “and we’re trying to revive The Wonder City name because we’re coming back again.We’re on a really good trajectory and very excited about that.” The latest resurgence started in earnest two years ago, when the city council decided “If we expect oth- ers to invest here, we’re going to have to invest, also.” The city put $2.5 million into improving the marina at the Appo- mattox River en- trance to Hopewell; $12 million into a new library; and $4.5 million into re- storing the vintage, 1928 Beacon The- ater into a perform- ing arts center. Dane says, “In the past year, I’ve seen The Temptations, The Four Tops, The Spinners, Vanilla Ice, Clint Black, and Travis Tritt. And Loretta Lynn is coming. So hopewell, virginia AT A GLANCE hopewell, virginia WHAT: A city of 23,000 WHERE: Adjacent to Prince George County in the Commonwealth of Virginia WEBSITE: www.hopewellva.gov many big-name performers - it’s generated a lot of interest in our downtown. The Hopewell Downtown Partnership has been a great asset in that regard. Three-quarters of our downtown buildings have been bought and restored, or are under restoration now.We also have a 3,000-foot River Walk that originates at the city entrance and goes all the way downtown along the riverfront. It’s really caused a rejuvena- tion.” In the private sector, the John Randolph Medical Center has made $8 million in improvements to its exterior hardscap- ing, landscaping, and the building, itself. A popular, high-end Boathouse Restaurant is opening at the river entrance to Hopewell – a $3.5 million project. Industry is also thriving. Westroc did a $100 million expansion and upgrades. Honey-