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7/9/26, 2:57 PM City Council Regular Meeting - Dec 09 2025 - Midtown Community Center (570 McLawhorne Dr, Newport News, VA 23601) - Minute…
The lease would allow the organization to use office space in the 1810 Warwick
Courthouse (the one-story smaller courthouse building on the north side of the
complex) to store archival records and conduct activities related to the
interpretation of local history.
The Warwick County Historical Society (WCHS), a not-for-profit organization
founded in 1965, serves as a local historical resource and provides historical
information to residents and other interested individuals without charge. The
WCHS maintained an archive of historical records and documents related to the
history of northern Newport News, much like the Newsome House does for the
southern end of the City. Their primary focus was researching and documenting
the history of early Warwick County and Mulberry Island.
The current five-year lease agreement expires on December 31, 2025. The
proposed lease agreement would extend the WCHS use of the 1810 Warwick
County Courthouse through December 31, 2030. WCHS intends to use the
leased space to store historical records and documents and hold meetings for
its members and visitors.
While no rent was required, the agreement does require WCHS to assume
responsibilities for electrical, phone, and internet services as appropriate. They
are also required to maintain a $1 million liability insurance policy at all times
during the lease.
General terms of this five-year lease included:
Exclusive use of the north office in the 1810 Courthouse;
Non-exclusive use of the remainder of the center portion of the building
for meetings and storage;
Assumption of electrical, telephone, internet, and related contractual
services as appropriate;
Discontinuation of the lease if the Society fails to use the facility for a
period of sixty (60) days or if they default on the conditions of the Lease;
Restriction of activities to WCHS business and related activities unless
prior written consent is granted by the City; and
A provision allowing the City Council to modify the terms of the lease
with ninety (90) days written notice.
The City Manager recommends approval.
(No registered speakers)
Moved by Councilman Robert Coleman, seconded by Councilman Cleon M.
Long, P.E., to close the public hearing.
Carried by the following votes:
Ayes: Councilman Cleon M. Long, P.E., Vice Mayor Curtis D. Bethany III,
Councilman Robert Coleman, Councilman Marcellus L. Harris III, D.
Div., and Mayor Phillip Jones
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