Building the Yard District: Jonathan Provost and the Rise of a Downtown Renaissance

Downtown Newport News is undergoing a quiet transformation—and Jonathan Provost, through his companies Provost Construction and JEM Development, is helping lead the charge. With a background in civil engineering and a reputation for turning forgotten buildings into vibrant community assets, Provost has anchored a wave of adaptive reuse projects in what the city calls the Yard District.

From Warehouses to Community Anchors

It began with a vision to reimagine the stretch of warehouses along 23rd Street. What was once a row of empty buildings is now a hub of urban life. At the center sits Walker Place at 208 23rd Street, a mixed-use property that blends 32 market-rate apartments with ground-floor restaurants and gathering spaces.

Local favorites like Benny Cantiere’s, Gastro on 23rd, and Corkscrews & Brews now fill the street with new energy. The upper-floor apartments are fully leased, and the building has become a cornerstone in the city’s effort to bring more residents and activity into the area. City-sponsored block parties with live music and food trucks have also found a home here, reinforcing the “live, work, play” environment Provost is known for fostering.

Redeveloping with Purpose

In addition to Walker Place, Provost and his team have spearheaded multiple apartment redevelopments across the Yard District:

Grace on 29th at 223 29th Street – 8 apartments created in the former Women’s Youth Challenge Shelter
St. Vincent’s Apartments at 332 34th Street – 39 apartments redeveloped from the former Men’s Shelter
The LUX James at 80 29th Street – 39-unit luxury apartment building now under construction in the former Noland building

Each of these projects leverages historic tax credits and thoughtful design to preserve the architectural history of downtown Newport News while delivering modern living options to the community.

A Local Company with Deep Roots

Provost Construction was founded in 2009 when Jonathan Provost was just 22 years old, building off decades of family experience in the trades. Originally launched while he was studying at Old Dominion University, the company has since grown to a team of 45 employees, licensed in over 45 states, and known for both national and local construction projects.

Though the company has built for major brands like Domino’s, Urban Outfitters, and Burger King, its work in Newport News is deeply personal. By focusing on adaptive reuse, community-driven design, and walkable living, Provost is helping turn downtown into more than just a government or shipyard hub—it’s becoming a place people can truly call home.

Looking to be part of the Yard District’s revitalization? Explore available apartments at Walker Place, Grace on 29th, or St. Vincent’s—where old buildings are getting new life. Visit https://www.NewportNewsVirginia.com for current listings!