Cape Charles Railroad & Harbor Ideas Competition

May 1st, 2026 - Registration opens, and online materials are available on the Town's website at https://www.capecharles.org/planning-zoning/page/railroad-harbor-area-master-planning to educate the public about the history of Cape Charles and this development opportunity. You can register by filling out the Cape Charles Ideas Competition Registration Form 

September 18th, 2026- Stage 1 submissions will be due to the Town of Cape Charles by 5:00 pm EST. 

September 25th, 2026 - A distinguished jury composed of professors from the region's universities will meet in Cape Charles and select up to 20 semifinalists to enter Stage 2 of the competition. 

October 10th, 2026 - All submissions will be displayed in Cape Charles, and semifinalists will be recognized as part of the Town's Fall Festival 

Spring 2027 - In Stage 2, the semifinalists will translate their ideas into preliminary demonstration proposals. A jury will select 5 finalists. 

Summer 2027 - In Stage 3, the five finalists will be asked to further refine their ideas and present to the Town Council. They will develop their ideas into comparable test fits for the Master Plan, suitable for public vote. 

September 2027 - Cape Charles citizens will have the chance to vote for the People's Choice. 

The Competition entrants MUST BE REGISTERED in order to be eligible for review and award. 

Registration opens May 1st, 2026, @ https://www.capecharles.org/planning-zoning/page/cape-charles-railroad-harbor-ideas-competition. You can register by filling out  Cape Charles Ideas Competition Registration Form 

Entries must be submitted electronically, using PDF format, and sent to ccideas [at] capecharles.org (ccideas[at]capecharles[dot]org) 

Stage 1: Submissions must be no more than 3 pages, 8 1/2 x 11 inches, in landscape format. The submission must begin with an abstract of no more than 50 words. Minimum font size is 10 points. Only electronic submissions will be eligible. 

Registration Fees: 

$100 / entry for individuals 

$25 / entry for students 

$50 / entry for Cape Charles Residents

Please contact the Cape Charles Finance Department for payment of registration fees: (757)-331-3259 x20, 23, 27 

To register fill out the attached form: Cape Charles Ideas Competition Registration Form 

How to Submit: 

1. fill out the attached form and submit to the Town Clerk through the following e-mail address: ccideas [at] capecharles.org (ccideas[at]capecharles[dot]org) then call the Finance Department at (757)-331-3259 x20, 23 27 to provide credit card information for submittal fees. 

2. Fill out the registration form and send it by mail with a check covering the registration fees to the following address: Town of Cape Charles, 412 Tazewell Avenue, Cape Charles VA, 23310 

    

Looking to make an impact, but don't want to compete? Try donating! 

Visionary Sponsor - $2,500 

Catalyst Sponsor - $1,000

Creator Sponsor - $500

Enthusiast Sponsor - $250 

To donate, call Treasurer, Marion Sofield at (757)-331-3259 x 23