142 replies to this topic

[vdogg]

Several new businesses add momentum to Suffolk renaissance

By AARON APPLEGATE AND PHYLLIS SPEIDELL, The Virginian-Pilot
© April 2, 2005

SUFFOLK — More restaurants. More entertainment establishments. And even a few places to work out.

Suffolk’s downtown renaissance is spreading faster than anyone expected. By this fall, at least 10 businesses are expected to open in the heart of the city. That comes on the heels of the recent opening of a new hotel downtown and several other business plans announced earlier this year.

Six restaurants – Italian, traditional and Chinese take out – are slated to open along East and West Washington streets. Two new fitness centers and a management consulting firm are also coming. And new loft apartments and another night spot are in the longer-range plans for downtown, said Elizabeth McCoury, Suffolk’s downtown development director.

“Downtown Suffolk is it – that’s where it’s happening,” said Sherwin Turner, partner in Main Street Jazz, a club slated to open in September.



Less than a decade ago, Suffolk was not happening. Vacant stores and run-down buildings made up the landscape. Like so many downtowns across the country, Suffolk’s center had fallen victim to large chain stores and suburban growth.

“It was depressing,” McCoury said.

A combination of public and private investment has changed that. Suffolk, which just a few years ago had no parking spaces on Main Street, let alone a place to get a beer after dark, has become Virginia’s poster child for downtown revitalization, said Robert Carter , director of community service for the Virginia Department of Historic Resources....  Full Story

[lammius]

I lived in Hampton Roads for 20 years and I went to downtown Suffolk just once (and I think the trip was simply for the purpose of seeing what downtown Suffolk was like).  It was, as you said, dead.  I'm glad to hear about this turnaround.  I imagine it as becoming an arts district/oasis in southern VA, sort of like what Red Bank, NJ (I'd be surprised if anyone's heard of that one), which is a center for jazz and live music and arts in the relatively exurban Monmouth County NJ area.

[vdogg]

lammius, on Apr 2 2005, 03:37 AM, said:

I lived in Hampton Roads for 20 years and I went to downtown Suffolk just once (and I think the trip was simply for the purpose of seeing what downtown Suffolk was like).  It was, as you said, dead.  I'm glad to hear about this turnaround.  I imagine it as becoming an arts district/oasis in southern VA, sort of like what Red Bank, NJ (I'd be surprised if anyone's heard of that one), which is a center for jazz and live music and arts in the relatively exurban Monmouth County NJ area.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I was really glad to find this article this morning because i think i'd managed to post about every city in Hampton Roads but this one. It is often overlooked because its not really in the highrise/skyscraper competitions that the other cities are but it definately deserves mention here. They have a flavor and style all their and it's nice to be able to live in the city, but have a country oasis just minutes away.

[urbanvb]

lammius, on Apr 2 2005, 04:37 AM, said:

I lived in Hampton Roads for 20 years and I went to downtown Suffolk just once (and I think the trip was simply for the purpose of seeing what downtown Suffolk was like).  It was, as you said, dead.  I'm glad to hear about this turnaround.  I imagine it as becoming an arts district/oasis in southern VA, sort of like what Red Bank, NJ (I'd be surprised if anyone's heard of that one), which is a center for jazz and live music and arts in the relatively exurban Monmouth County NJ area.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I travel through DT Suffolk at least once a month going to my native NC and while things are better, it does still leave a lot to be desired. Hopefully things will continue to improve though.

[Jerseyman4]

Downtown Suffolk seems to improve every time ive passed through. The truck route circuling the SE portion of the city is probably the least favorable side of Suffolk but their signage CLEARLY shows, NO TRUCKS in downtown! Then theres also Whaleyville thats trying to spur some growth in the little crossroads section of Suffolk. Red Bank is a really nice area, been there many times. My favorite Monmouth County area is Colts Neck and Upper Freehold. Back to Suffolk, i was curious about one thing with the town. The US 13 bypass runs to the west of town, connecting US 58. When you go to the NE side of Suffolk, there is a ghost ramp when going US 58 EB. Was this suppose to be the US 13 bypass instead? Or form a complete beltway around Suffolk.

[VAGATOR]

The main problem downtown Suffolk has is that the city's richest and fastest growing region, Northern Suffolk, is almost closer to downtown Norfolk than downtown Suffolk. I wish them luck with their plans.

[urbanvb]

Today the weather was horrible but I was going thru Suffolk so I  shot this very crappy picture of the new Hilton Garden Inn and convention center. Hopefully, the next time I go through the weather will be much better. In addition there is much roadwork going on around the building so I couldn't get a better vantage point.

[okinawatyphoon]

$35 million development proposed for Suffolk


SUFFOLK — A Virginia Beach developer is planning an estimated $35 million condominium, office and retail project designed to be an upscale entrance to downtown Suffolk from the western part of the city.

The four-story building on West Washington Street will have 114 condos above two floors of offices and shops, said developer A.R. “Rick” Gregor Jr. of Snug Harbor Development, LLC. The building, on nearly four acres, also will have a two-story parking garage with space for 500 cars.

Gregor, who has had private talks with city officials, will unveil his project Friday at the city’s monthly department-head meeting, he said.

Although the project has yet to be reviewed by city staff and will need to be approved by the City Council, officials are excited about the concept.

“It’s a terrific idea,” said City Manager Steve Herbert. “We like what we’ve seen so far, but we still have a lot of work to do.”

“We are very excited about a mixed-use development on that site to anchor the downtown,” said Elizabeth McCoury, Suffolk’s downtown development coordinator.
Resto Story

[urbanvb]

Looks like a great project.

[hoobo]

Now you know things have gotten out of control.

[vdogg]

Wow. Looks like I have to add Suffolk to the Projects listing now.

[urbanvb]

Who woulda ever thought the sleepy town of Suffolk would be booming one day with high paying jobs, expensive housing and be the 2nd fastest growing in the state!!  

[urbanvb]

Somehow this slipped past us but Harborview has a Town Center being built!  
Take a look here.

[rusthebuss]

guynvb, on Jun 17 2005, 06:33 PM, said:

Somehow this slipped past us but Harborview has a Town Center being built! 
Take a look here.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

It doesn't show that stupid pic!!!! I really wanted to see it.

[urbanvb]

Here ya go. I have a digest magazine I picked up from Divaris's office. Some highlights of this project:

Will be from 800,000 sq feet to 1.2 mil sq feet with combination office, retail and residential in two to four level buidlings. AMAZING for Suffolk!

[rusthebuss]

Thanks! I wish they would not sprawl it so much. We are going sprawl our self to death! I wish they could have made it at least  4-6 stories and saved some land!

[urbanvb]

rusthebuss, on Jun 17 2005, 08:30 PM, said:

Thanks! I wish they would not sprawl it so much. We are going sprawl our self to death! I wish they could have made it at least  4-6 stories and saved some land!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

True. But at least it is located between two road systems and not on the outer realm.  

[PeninsulaKiddo]

http://home.hamptonr...9464&ran=197673

^ 2 new Marriott Hotels for Northern Suffolk!!!  I'm not sure if I did the link right... but figure it out you guys.  This site is so d***ed complicated!      j/k

[PeninsulaKiddo]

And I never saw the Harborview TC until just now!!!   Impressive for Suffolk!!  That's as big as Short Pump!! (assuming full build-out of 1.2 million s/f.  NOT BAD AT ALL).

Edited by PeninsulaKiddo, 21 July 2005 - 01:28 PM.

[rusthebuss]

I meant to post that but forgot to.