BayPort Credit Union Celebrates Grand Reopening of Its First-Ever Branch in Newport News
EmitenTrust.com BayPort remains the only financial institution with a branch in downtown Newport News.
NEWPORT NEWS, Va., Oct. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- BayPort Credit Union celebrated the grand reopening of its 37th Street branch in downtown Newport News, marking a new chapter for BayPort's very first branch which has maintained deep ties to Newport News Shipbuilding and the local community it has served for nearly a century.
Located at 3711 Huntington Avenue, the ribbon cutting ceremony and celebration included Newport News Mayor Phillip Jones, Congressman Bobby Scott, Newport News Councilman John Eley, Newport News Councilman Rob Coleman, Newport News City Manager Alan Archer, members of BayPort's Board of Directors, and numerous other city and community leaders, along with BayPort leadership, community partners, and other distinguished guests.
The newly renovated 37th Street branch holds a special place in BayPort's legacy. Founded in 1928 by 12 shipyard workers as the Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company Employees Credit Union, the Huntington Avenue location became BayPort's first branch and corporate headquarters outside the shipyard when it opened in 1952. For generations, the branch has remained at the heart of the shipyard community. Today, BayPort remains the only financial institution with a branch in downtown Newport News, continuing its enduring commitment to the city.
The newly renovated branch, completed by North River Construction, features an open-concept layout designed to enhance the member experience, combining the teller and member service areas into one space. The location also includes two drive-thru YourTeller® Interactive Teller Machines (ITMs), two walk-up ITMs and additional parking, along with a refreshed exterior.
To commemorate the reopening, BayPort unveiled a new historical display in partnership with The Mariners' Museum and Park. The exhibit highlights the enduring connection between BayPort, Newport News, and the region's shipbuilding heritage, featuring historic shipyard tools, artifacts, and three Thomas C. Skinner paintings. Skinner, a renowned American Realist and official staff artist for The Mariners' Museum, was celebrated for his vivid portrayals of Newport News Shipbuilding. The display honors the community's rich maritime legacy and the shipbuilders who shaped the region. In tribute to this shared history, BayPort presented The Mariners' Museum with a $25,000 donation during the event.
"There's something especially meaningful about reopening the doors of our very first branch, in the same community where BayPort began nearly 100 years ago," said Jim Mears, President and CEO of BayPort Credit Union. "For us, this is more than a renovation—it's a celebration of our roots and the people who helped build BayPort into what it is today. We are honored to preserve that legacy while creating a modern, welcoming space for the members and community we hope to serve for generations to come."
As a democratically controlled financial institution, BayPort remains focused on serving its members and the communities it calls home. BayPort offers the same products and services as traditional banks while providing the benefits of credit union membership. Membership is open to community residents, their families, and individuals nationwide through qualifying organizations.
About BayPort
Founded in 1928 by 12 shipyard workers from Newport News Shipbuilding, BayPort Credit Union was built on the belief that everyone deserves access to trusted financial services. Today, BayPort is a Bauer Financial 5-Star Superior-rated credit union with $2.7 billion in assets, serving more than 156,000 individuals and businesses through 31 branch locations across Virginia. BayPort membership is open to community residents, their families, and individuals nationwide through qualifying organizations.
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SOURCE BayPort Credit Union