ODU plans to turn Muddy Paws on Hampton Blvd. into apartments, retail

June 28, 2026 - 06:12

Old Dominion University has announced plans to redevelop the property currently home to Muddy Paws pet store on Hampton Boulevard, transforming the site into a mixed-use building with apartments and ground-floor retail. The project will replace the former gas station and existing pet supply shop with a structure designed to blend student housing with commercial space.

University officials say the redevelopment aims to address growing demand for off-campus housing while revitalizing a key corridor near the main campus. The new building will include multiple floors of apartment units above street-level storefronts, though specific details on the number of units or square footage have not yet been released. The project is part of a broader effort by ODU to encourage pedestrian-friendly development along Hampton Boulevard, a busy thoroughfare that connects the university to the surrounding neighborhood.

Muddy Paws, a longtime local business, will need to relocate as construction moves forward. The university has not provided a timeline for when demolition or construction will begin, but the plan has been submitted for city review. Community members have expressed mixed reactions, with some welcoming the new housing options and others concerned about the loss of a familiar small business. ODU representatives have stated they will work with the pet store to find a suitable new location.