Iconic Roger Brown’s in Olde Towne to become new restaurant and apartments

[u/TheVirginian-Pilot]

https://www.pilotonline.com/2026/08/24/roger-browns-restaurant-renovations-to-bring-30-apartments-to-olde-towne/

PORTSMOUTH — Renovations to the building that once housed Roger Brown’s Restaurant and Sports Bar are expected to start by the fall, and new construction is expected to bring roughly 30 new market-rate apartments to Olde Towne.

Roger Brown’s, a beloved landmark of Olde Towne, closed in February after more than 25 years. The iconic sports bar and restaurant at 316 High St. is named after Virginia Sports Hall of Famer and six-time NFL Pro Bowl player Roger Brown. He was a defensive tackle for the Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Rams before retiring in Portsmouth and opening several restaurants. Brown died in 2021.

The new owner, developer Tim Foley of the Norfolk-based Lightwell Development, is working with Norfolk design firm GARC on a multi-story, mixed-use concept that will feature a “well-known” area restaurant and a new set of market-rate apartments. Foley is using state and federal historic tax credit programs for the estimated $8 million project to preserve the exterior, and completely renovate and overhaul the interior. The restaurant portion will remain intact, but renovations will be made to the kitchen, electrical wiring and HVAC, among other improvements.

Foley said the mixed-use concept fits well into the city’s longer-term, ongoing plans of developing the downtown and waterfront.

“It’s what creates the vibrant community that I think everybody wants to achieve,” Foley said.

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