Ever driven down Route 17 and wondered about those specific commercial pockets that keep the local economy humming? Most people zoom past without a second thought. But if you’re looking at 3938 George Washington Hwy, you’re likely interested in more than just the scenery. This isn’t a residential home where someone is tucked away watching Netflix; it’s a high-activity commercial hub in Portsmouth, Virginia, specifically within the Afton Shopping Center.
Finding the right spot for a business in the Hampton Roads area is tricky. You want visibility, but you also need the right zoning. Kinda makes or breaks the whole venture, honestly.
The Specifics of 3938 George Washington Hwy
This address is part of a larger commercial complex known as the Afton Shopping Center. It’s a massive site—we’re talking about 11.28 acres of land. The building itself is a one-story, sprawling strip center totaling roughly 108,835 square feet. When you look at the tax maps, you'll see it sits south of Frederick Boulevard.
Recently, this specific suite has been the subject of some serious city planning chatter. In late 2022 and moving into 2023, the City of Portsmouth Planning Commission reviewed a use permit request for Suites 3938-3940. The applicant, Powerful Minds LLC, wanted to transform the space into an "entertainment establishment." Basically, they were looking to run a spot called The Bank Bistro, covering about 6,200 square feet.
💡 You might also like: New Zealand currency to AUD: Why the exchange rate is shifting in 2026
Why the Zoning Matters
The property is situated in the General Mixed-Use (GMU) zoning district. In plain English? That means you can't just open anything you want without asking permission first. To run an "entertainment establishment" in a GMU zone, you need a Use Permit. The City Council eventually gave the green light, but with conditions.
- Use is limited specifically to the 6,200 square foot area.
- Parking must meet the standard shopping center requirements.
- The permit is tied to the specific operational plan submitted.
The Vibe of the Area
Portsmouth is a "city of neighborhoods," and this section of George Washington Hwy (Route 17) is a primary artery. It's gritty, busy, and functional. You’ve got a mix of long-standing local businesses and newer ventures trying to capitalize on the traffic flow from the nearby Shipyard and Naval Medical Center.
If you're thinking about visiting or doing business at 3938 George Washington Hwy, you should know that parking is usually plentiful because of the massive lot, but the traffic on Route 17 can be a nightmare during rush hour. Like, seriously. Don't try to turn left out of there at 5:00 PM unless you have a lot of patience or a death wish.
📖 Related: How Much Do Chick fil A Operators Make: What Most People Get Wrong
Food and Delivery
Interestingly, this address has also popped up on delivery apps like Uber Eats for various local ghost kitchens or small eateries. Serenity 5, for example, has been associated with this location. It’s a common trend in these older shopping centers to see one physical space housing multiple "virtual" brands.
What Most People Get Wrong
A lot of folks confuse "George Washington Hwy" in Portsmouth with the "George Washington Memorial Hwy" (Route 17) that runs through Yorktown or Gloucester. They are different worlds. The Portsmouth stretch is urban, industrial-adjacent, and strictly business. If you're looking for the colonial vibes and white picket fences, you're about 40 minutes too far south.
Actionable Steps for Interested Parties
If you are looking at this property for a potential business lease or just trying to find out who currently occupies it, here is what you need to do next:
👉 See also: ROST Stock Price History: What Most People Get Wrong
Check the eBUILD Portal
The City of Portsmouth uses a system called eBUILD. You can search by address (3938 George Washington Hwy) to see every permit ever pulled for that suite. This will tell you if the "entertainment establishment" permit is still active or if a new tenant has moved in.
Verify the Parcel ID
For tax and legal reasons, keep the Tax Parcel ID handy: 0468-0030. This is the "Social Security Number" for the land. If you're talking to a broker or a lawyer, this is the number they actually care about.
Visit at Different Times
If you're considering a business venture here, sit in the parking lot on a Tuesday morning and then again on a Friday night. The demographic shifts significantly. You'll see the difference between the daytime "errand-runners" and the nighttime "entertainment-seekers."
The Afton Shopping Center has seen its share of ups and downs over the decades. Seeing new life breathed into suites like 3938 is usually a good sign for the local Portsmouth economy, even if it's just one bistro or one small shop at a time. It’s about as "real-world" as Virginia commercial real estate gets.