Strawberry Street Plaza has been part of Cape Charles’ downtown story for nearly a decade. Created in 2017, the open-air plaza sits at the center of town with a clear viewshed to the Cape Charles Harbor and direct connections to Mason Avenue’s shops and restaurants. From the start, it was envisioned as a public gathering place—a flexible, people-centered space where residents and visitors could meet, relax, and enjoy downtown life.
That vision was rooted in smart planning and partnership. In the mid-2010s, as the Town of Cape Charles worked with a private developer on the Strawberry Street Station mixed-use project, town leaders negotiated the inclusion of a paver section between two new buildings. The result was the intentional creation of a public plaza that replaced long-standing blight with opportunity. The developer funded the initial construction and simple design, setting the stage for what would become a defining downtown space.
Over the years, Cape Charles Main Street built on that foundation, adding landscaping, benches, planters, and programming that made Strawberry Street Plaza the heart of community celebrations—from holiday events to live music and family-friendly activities. As visitation to Cape Charles grew, especially during the summer months, the plaza’s role became even more important.
In 2025, a new phase of investment elevated Strawberry Street Plaza from a beloved gathering spot into a stronger economic asset. Improvements included shaded, hurricane-rated umbrellas; durable picnic tables with ADA-accessible seating; upgraded electrical infrastructure to support evening use and events; new wayfinding signage to nearby parking; and refreshed landscaping. A Victorian-style town clock, donated by the Rotary Club of Cape Charles in celebration of its 100th anniversary, now anchors the space and reinforces the town’s historic character.
Early outcomes show meaningful impact. Visits to the plaza increased by 3.1 percent, average dwell time rose by 10.5 percent, and lunchtime visitation jumped by 14 percent—supporting grab-and-go food businesses and helping keep people downtown longer. Local businesses adjacent to the plaza are already reporting increased foot traffic.
Today, Strawberry Street Plaza reflects both long-term foresight and thoughtful reinvestment. It stands as a reminder that when communities plan intentionally and invest collaboratively, public spaces can do more than bring people together—they can drive downtown vitality.
Photo Credits (Before Photo, Picnic Table Construction, Victorian-style town clock, and After Photo): Cape Charles Main Street
Virginia Main Street 