Armada Hoffler Properties breaks ground tomorrow on $25 million expansion project for Oceaneering

Published December 16, 2013 by Paula C. Squires

A groundbreaking ceremony for one of the biggest corporate expansions in Chesapeake next year is set for Tuesday, Dec. 17, at 11 a.m.  That’s when Virginia-beach based Armada Hoffler Properties will ceremoniously turn the first shovel of dirt on a $25 million expansion for Oceaneering International Inc.   The project will double the company's space and allow it to consolidate operations in a new 150,000-square-foot facility at 2100 Steppingstone Square.   Consturction is expected to take about 12 months.

Oceaneering has maintained an engineering/ship repair location in Chesapeake for 13 years at its current 75,000-square-foot location at 700 Rosemont Ave.  The expansion to a larger site will consolidate engineering, manufacturing, and administrative functions, including a multitrade apprenticeship program. Already a major employer in Chesapeake with 460 employees, the expansion is expected to create 70 new jobs.

The company’s primary customers are the U.S. Navy and the maritime industry.