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Throwback Thursday - Main Street

2013-12-26T07:54:00.004-08:00

1958. East Main Street looking West.
Photo Courtesy of Casey Scalf and the Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority

Throwback Thursday - Granby Street

2013-12-19T04:46:00.002-08:00

Monticello Arcade - Augmented Reality
Photo Courtesy of Casey Scalf and the Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority

Notice the arched lighting from back in the day. This photo was comes from Casey Scalf's Augmented Reality Collection. To see more photos from the collection, click here.

Several New Restaurants Open In Downtown Norfolk

2013-12-16T17:00:00.002-08:00

Quite a few restaurants have either opened or are getting ready to open downtown shortly.

Here’s a quick rundown:

Chartreuse Bistro – Has been open a few months now at the Monticello Arcade on City Hall Avenue. Here’s their local business profile, I ran earlier.
Luce' – A small Italian eatery that has taken over old Empire spot on Granby Street.
Field Guide – This eclectic spot on Granby Street is brought to you by the folks who did local favorite The Handsome Biscuit. Everyone has been raving about the Mac and Cheese sandwich. It’s also open for dinner now.
Saffron Indian Bistro – Specializing in…you guessed it…Indian food! The first Indian restaurant downtown is located in the Wells Fargo Center. This is actually the sister restaurant of the one located in Virginia Beach Town Center.
Gershwin’s – This spot, formerly Velvet on Granby Street is undergoing renovations. When it’s done, it will be an upscale, slightly sophisticated bistro featuring American standards (Sinatra) and piano.
Longboards - Still not confirmed but according to city docs, it sounds like the same beach-themed bar on High Street in P-town.

UPDATE:

Ya Ya Asian Gourmet House – Just recently opened on College Place. After Panda Garden closed last year, the owners of Kin's Wok leased the space with the intent of opening a more "dining friendly" restaurant. Serving both lunch and dinner, the menu features mostly traditional Chinese fare, but does include some Thai selections.

Throwback Thursday – Commercial Place

2013-12-12T04:57:00.000-08:00

This photo was submitted by reader, Sarah Price. If you have any old photos of Downtown Norfolk or Ghent that you'd like posted, go ahead and email me.

Commercial Place at Main Street. Date Unknown.

Photo Courtesy of Sarah Price at VisitNorfolk

Norfolk Mayor Provides Development Updates

2013-12-11T17:13:00.005-08:00

Per Inside Business, Norfolk Mayor Paul Fraim recently gave members of the Downtown Norfolk Council an update regarding several projects downtown.

The Mayor said the Norfolk Consolidated Court Courthouse and the second phase will begin after the city moves Norfolk General District Court and Norfolk Circuit Court into the new building. The old circuit court building will then be demolished (good call!). Then the plan gets interesting as Main Street will be extended across St. Paul’s Boulevard through the court complex creating a four-way intersection at St. Paul's Boulevard and Main Street.

Regarding the Hilton hotel and conference center, the plans are underway with a groundbreaking expected in two months. Fraim also mentioned that developer Bruce Thompson may kick in additional funds towards completing the project.

Waterside Live construction should begin within the next five months, according to Fraim. Cordish Cos. is currently speaking to possible restaurants, while city council will consider a new sign overlay district for the venue within the next few months.

Finally, in light of the new Amtrak station opening, Fraim confirmed that the city is working with Amtrak and Norfolk Southern to start running train a little later making commutes more convenient for travelers.

Norfolk Consolidated Courts Complex Photo Update - 12/10/13

2013-12-09T19:16:00.000-08:00

The exterior of phase one of the Norfolk Consolidated Courts Complex is just about done. Here are some progress shots.

This project is scheduled for full completion by October 2015.

The finished product

CC Image courtesy of Norfolk Public Works

For more information on this project, click here

Throwback Thursday – Monticello Arcade

2013-12-05T03:58:00.003-08:00

Monticello Arcade - Augmented Reality
Photo Courtesy of Casey Scalf and the Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority

This photo was comes from Casey Scalf's Augmented Reality Collection. To see more photos from the collection, click here.

416 Boush Street Photo Update - 12/4/13

2013-12-04T06:29:00.000-08:00

Here are some progress shots of 416 Boush Street downtown. This project is really starting to pick up its pace.

The $12 million residential project will be six stories tall and will include 71 apartments, with a 55 space parking garage underneath. The building will feature a pool, fitness center and two outdoor terraces/gardens.

416 Boush Street

CC Image courtesy of Norfolk Department of Development

Buddy Gadams To Take On Union Mission

2013-12-02T19:09:00.000-08:00

Just when we thought it was game over for the Union Mission, Buddy Gadams sweeps in to make the save. According The Pilot, the infamous Norfolk developer just signed a contract on the downtown landmark.

Gadams plans to transform the building into 90 luxury apartments and build a five-story building on parking lot to the rear that would add an additional 46 apartments. Before the deal closes, Gadam's company, Marathon Development, must complete inspections and surveys. If all goes according to plan, construction could begin in April.

Gadams has redeemed himself since Granby Tower, with the recent construction of 4 residential properties downtown. I recently had the chance to tour the Wainwright and came away very impressed. This is very positive news for the Union Mission building.

New Norfolk Amtrak Station Opens

2013-12-02T15:23:00.001-08:00

This time last year, South Hampton Roads was celebrating the resumption of Amtrak service in Norfolk for the first time since the late 1970’s. Today, we’re celebrating the opening of its brand new station at Harbor Park.

As passengers travelled from Norfolk through St. Petersburg to Richmond, D.C., Baltimore, Philly, New York, and Boston, they had to sit and wait in a temporary trailer. Now, passengers will have a brand new 3,500 square foot station that includes a ticket counter, a waiting room and bathrooms. The platform is 725 feet long, well lit, and partially covered with canopies. The station will also be accessible via, light rail, bus, cab, and bike (there are bike racks).

There are currently two trains that use the station, but word on the street is that a third train is being looked at to offer more flexible arrival and departure options.

Norfolk Extends Parking Garage Hours…For Now

2013-11-29T09:01:00.003-08:00

Time to give credit where credit is definitely due. About a month ago, I posted that Norfolk was essentially chasing downtown employees out of parking garages during weeknights, which in turn, kills the weeknight vibe. This was something that needed to be changed. Well, apparently city leaders have agreed.

According to the city’s monthly parking guide, the monthly pass for downtown parking only covers daily hours of 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., which prohibits employees from enjoying restaurants and shops during weeknights.

Last week, the City announced that hours would be extended until 8:00p.m. through December 25th for the Downtown Norfolk Council's (DNC) "Stay and Play" program. I'm being told that this is going to act as a pilot program with the potential of something permanent.

Bravo, Norfolk! Good start.

Throwback Thursday – Old Botetourt Street Bridge

2013-11-28T03:58:00.002-08:00

Happy Turkey Day!

June 14, 1956. Botetourt Street Bridge looking South towards Freemason

Photo Courtesy of Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority Photo Archive

The Element On Granby Photo Update - 11/24/13

2013-11-24T16:58:00.002-08:00

Here are some progress shots as this development is starting to make its way vertically.

The complex will consist of luxory lofts and one, two, and threebedroom eco-friendly high-end units. Parking would be on the first floor and the building would include a clubhouse, fitness center and a landscaped courtyard featuring a pool and grilling area.

The Element On Granby

CC Image courtesy of Norfolk Department of Development

Throwback Thursday - South Freemason

2013-11-21T03:42:00.000-08:00

January, 1987. South Freemason looking east before redevelopment

Photo Courtesy of Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority Photo Archive

Slover Library Photo Update - 11/18/13

2013-11-18T03:54:00.000-08:00

I stopped by to take some project shots of the Colonel Samuel L. Slover Memorial Library this weekend and to my surprise workers were busy at work installing the glass panes the make up the atrium.

The completion date was set for this December and while things have been progressing well over the last couple of months, I have a hard time believing it will meet that deadline. The state-of-the-art library is being built next to the Seaboard Building and connects via glass atrium to the Selden Arcade.

The library will provide approximately 70,000 additional square feet than the last one for meeting rooms and a technology center.

If you're interested in tracking the construction progress of the library, you can now watch all of happenings on this live webcam, courtesy of Dominion Enterprises.

The finished product

CC Image courtesy of Norfolk Public Works

Norfolk Amtrak Station Photo Update - 11/16/13

2013-11-16T10:06:00.005-08:00

Stopped by the train station today and it should be open in a matter of days. Workers are putting the finished touches on the project. Even the landscaping is complete. Here are some new progress shots.

Some details of the project:

3,500 square foot station.
The building will include ticket counter, a waiting room and bathrooms.
The platform will be 725 feet long and partially covered with canopies.
The station, just near Harbor Park, will be looked at as a potential multi-modal station in the future to include rail, light rail, bus, cab, and ferry services.
Project cost - $3,000,000.
Completion Date – Fall 2013.

The Finished Product

CC Image courtesy of Norfolk Public Works

Throwback Thursday – The Maritime Tower Building

2013-11-14T04:53:00.002-08:00

April 26, 1960. The Maritime Tower Building

Photo Courtesy of Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority Photo Archive

The Maritime Tower building was a key element of Norfolk's downtown renewal program in the 60's. The 15 story building included office space, a major department store, 750 car garage, and large restaurant. This is where the MacArthur Center now sits.

401 Granby St. Photo Update - 11/13/13

2013-11-13T06:52:00.003-08:00

The 401 Granby Street apartment building has taken off over the last few months and is definitely creating a presence on Granby St.

401 Granby Street will stand five stories and include 2,500 square feet of retail space on the first floor and 65 luxury apartments (studio, one bedroom, and two bedroom units) renting between $1000 and $2000 a month. The building will will connect to two other apartment complexes via pedestrian bridges.

The apartments will have 9-foot ceilings, granite counter tops, stainless appliances, tiled bathrooms, walk-in closets and balconies overlooking either Granby or Freemason Street. As for the retail, nothing has been determined yet, but builder Buddy Gadams doesn't envision a full-service restaurant.

The estimated date of completion for this project is March 2014.

CC Image courtesy of Norfolk Department of Development

Throwback Thursday – Aerial View Of The Hague And Fort Norfolk

2013-11-07T05:44:00.001-08:00

July 12, 1956. The Hague and Fort Norfolk

Photo Courtesy of Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority Photo Archive

This aerial shot shows The Hague and Fort Norfolk (also known as Atlantic City). Notice that the Brambleton Bridge was not yet built.

Throwback Thursday – Downtown Norfolk Flooding At Main Street

2013-10-31T08:27:00.001-07:00

March 7, 1962. Flooding at Main Street

Photo Courtesy of Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority Photo Archive

I think the biggest take away from this photo is how barren things were on this side of town in the 60’s. There’s no courts complex, no Dominion Tower, no Sheraton, no Harbor Park, no real infrastructure at all.

City Parking Rules Killing Downtown Happy Hour

2013-10-30T08:02:00.002-07:00

Pick any downtown and think about what the sidewalks look like after people get off work. That vision probably includes a bunch of suits walking over to their favorite local watering hole for a killer happy hour.

With the way the parking rules are set up in downtown Norfolk, we will never see this. And I’m not exaggerating. According to the city’s monthly parking guide, the monthly pass for downtown parking only covers daily hours of 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. This is what businesses downtown are typically covering as a perk for their employees. For a pass that includes overnight hours, businesses must dish out an additional $34.00 per month, which they have no reason to pay.

If you aren’t lucky enough for your company to pay, and have to pick up the bill yourself, your car must be out of that garage by 6 p.m. on weekdays or begin paying a steep hourly rate through the rest of the evening. These stipulations essentially chase people who don’t live in downtown Norfolk out of downtown Norfolk. They can work, but they can’t play.

Happy Hours are typically from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. People usually get off work around 5 p.m. If they have to be out of the garage by 6 p.m., that means they only get one hour to hang out with co-workers. The point of happy hour is to let a load off while enjoying cheap drink and food specials. Nobody wants to be rushed. And typically, happy hour attendees end up grabbing another drink or a bite to eat somewhere else after it ends.

So for a city that always talks about bringing in revenue off of food and drink sales, that’s quite an opportunity being passed up. If Norfolk’s meal tax is 11.5%, think of the revenue the city could make if it encouraged people to stay downtown after work. Instead Virginia Beach residents who work downtown immediately split for Town Center where the parking is easy and free to spend their money and time, leaving downtown Norfolk looking like a ghost town. Ever notice that the Granby restaurant scene on weeknights is pretty dead?

How about this solution? I understand that the after 6 p.m. hourly increase revenue ends up going to garage employees but what about extending the time limit to 9 p.m. instead? You can take a portion of the food and drink sales which would surely increase to pay the garage employees. Pretty sure you’ll still be making a great profit, all while increasing the street vibrancy of downtown Norfolk and making it the weeknight destination we all crave.

Phase 1 Scope Renovations To Design Review

2013-10-24T09:16:00.000-07:00

It’s been crickets since last March when it was announced that Norfolk was looking into renovating the Scope and many wondered if anything would actually come of it. It looks like we now have some movement as a preliminary review of design plans for phase 1 are part of the agenda for the November 7^th Design Review Committee Meeting.

CC Image courtesy of Missy_Schmidt's photostream on Flickr

Because of the way the Scope was built and its inability to add additional seats, the long-term plan’s focus was on quality over quantity in order to draw more/better events. The project will be completed in phases over time and this first phase will include renovations to the concourse area, including restroom and concession additions.
Phase 1 includes expansion to the east and west concourse and will include 3,350 square feet of restroom space, 1,450 square feet of concession space to include storage, and 2,700 square feet of additional concourse and concession queue space. The upgrades to the women’s restroom are design to increase the size and bring it up to code.

The most interesting part of this is what it will look like. A new expanded glass concourse extending to the legs of the building will be in place on the east and west sides of the building.
Once the Design and Planning Commission approve the plan, it goes to City Council for final approval. This is most likely when we’ll learn more about the construction timeline. The master plan for this project came across as very ambitious, so it’ll be worthwhile to see what each new phase will bring.

Throwback Thursday – Old Botetourt Street Bridge

2013-10-24T05:03:00.002-07:00

Undated. Old Botetourt Street Bridge between Downtown and Ghent

Photo Courtesy of Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority Photo Archive

Never realized this bridge was anything more than a pedestrian bridge. If you look closely, there appear to be streetcar tracks.

An Inside Look At “The Wainwright Downtown”

2013-10-23T14:02:00.000-07:00

Construction at the historic Wainwright Building in Downtown Norfolk recently wrapped up and tenants are now moving into the newly renovated apartment building renamed "The Wainwright Downtown."

Last Friday, the developers held a rooftop reception offering people the chance to check out the building. The rooftop features a sky lounge with a 360 degree view of Norfolk (something difficult to find downtown, believe it or not), a large grilling area and actually does feature a small dog park. I can see the entire rooftop being a huge draw for potential tenants.

Apartments are renting at $1,000 and $2,000, with most apartments priced at about $1,200. The apartment complex will also have off the street parking, a cyber cafe and fitness center. The units were stylish and fitting of the urban lifestyle with stainless appliances, granite counter-tops, exposed brick, hardwood floors, and modern tile back-splashing. The best news came from the sales staff, who said a large majority of the tenants are from outside of Norfolk, which is kind of a big deal for downtown to draw folks in.

For more info, visit the Wainwright's new website.

Throwback Thursday – Original Royster Building

2013-10-17T05:06:00.000-07:00

1911. Original Royster Building. Northwest Corner of Granby St. at City Hall Ave.

Photo Courtesy of Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority Photo Archive