DISCOVERING DOWNTOWN SUFFOLK'S HISTORIC "NEW TOWN" NEIGHBORHOOD

"New Town" refers to the area that was developed east of Main Street in Suffolk after the American Civil War. Many of the early residents who built homes along Bank, Franklin, and Pinner Streets were newcomers. While some had ties to the old Nansemond County, they were not directly connected to the town of Suffolk. Others came from northern states, and a few were displaced homeowners who had lost their properties in the catastrophic fires of 1885 and 1888, which occurred just a few blocks away.

The Pinner family, particularly John Beauregard Pinner and his son John Franklin Pinner, played a significant role in the development of this neighborhood. In fact, both Franklin Street and Pinner Street were named in honor of John Franklin Pinner. A century ago, "New Town" was regarded as one of Suffolk’s most prestigious neighborhoods. However, by the late 1970s, many of its once-elegant homes had fallen into disrepair or been converted into apartments, causing the neighborhood to lose much of its sense of community and pride.

In recent years, however, new homeowners have worked to restore that pride. Their efforts have brought this neighborhood back to life, reviving this historic area. Today, "New Town" is part of the Downtown Suffolk Historic District with the Edward Everett Holland House at 223 Bank Street earning its place on the National Register of Historic Places.

Take a leisurely walk through John Pinner’s "New Town" neighborhood and enjoy the stunning architecture and rich history that make this downtown Suffolk neighborhood so unique.

As you wander, remember to take your time and enjoy the sights, but watch your step—some sidewalks and streets may be a little uneven along the way. While many of the properties you will pass are private homes, they are all visible from public pathways, so please admire them without disturbing the residents.

There is free public parking along Main Street and in the lots on Commerce Street. While you can explore this tour in any order, we suggest starting at the corner of Bank and Main Streets at the Bush and Taylor clock.

Suffolk Tourism extends its sincere gratitude to the Suffolk-Nansemond Historical Society and local historians for their invaluable contributions of historical information and photographs featured throughout this tour of the "New Town" neigborhood.