Virginia Department of Historic Resources Virginia Department of Historic Resources
For additional information, read the Nomination Form PDF
VLR Listing Date 12/13/2018
NRHP Listing Date 04/02/2019
NRHP Reference Number SG100003606
The Cavalier Shores Historic District is an excellent example of coastal suburban development in the first half of the twentieth century that reflects characteristic nationally popular architectural styles as applied to Tidewater Virginia. The district also is a locally unique example of development sponsored by the adjacent Cavalier Hotel. While the direct association to the Cavalier Hotel is less recognized now following multiple changes in ownership of the resort, the district does retain its character-defining brick promenade and gate leading to the hotel grounds. The district also retains a dense building stock of homes dating to the first half of the twentieth century that convey the early popularity and subsequent growth of the neighborhood. These dwellings, and the district overall, retain a high degree of historical integrity and historic character. In general, they retain original form, materials, ornamentation, and other architectural details and convey the development and evolution of Cavalier Shores from 1927 through the present day. Of additional merit is the retention of numerous rear garages and guesthouses, a common feature of early coastal suburban development. The district also conveys the strong sense of beautification and landscaping that has been an integral aspect of the neighborhood’s character since 1927. Finally, the district remains an increasingly rare collection of early-twentieth-century architecture in Virginia Beach, as increasing property values in coastal areas continue to threaten redevelopment in these areas.
Many properties listed in the registers are private dwellings and are not open to the public, however many are visible from the public right-of-way. Please be respectful of owner privacy.
Abbreviations:
VLR: Virginia Landmarks Register
NPS: National Park Service
NRHP: National Register of Historic Places
NHL: National Historic Landmark
Updated: February 20, 2021
