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
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Programs
DHR has secured permanent legal protection for over 700 historic places - including 15,000 acres of battlefield lands
DHR has erected 2,532 highway markers in every county and city across Virginia
DHR has registered more than 3,317 individual resources and 613 historic districts
DHR has engaged over 450 students in 3 highway marker contests
DHR has stimulated more than $4.2 billion dollars in private investments related to historic tax credit incentives, revitalizing communities of all sizes throughout Virginia