Next in Norfolk

[Greekboy80]

We have seen lots of new projects under development and being proposed in the past few years. lets now find out

1. What else does downtown need and

2. Where is there underdeveloped property that is a "goldmine waiting to happen"?

let the games begin!

[Greekboy80]

my first thought is that there a few parking lots an plots of land on brambelton by the Ymca that are just sitting there. i wish they would use the land and build somthing.

[rusthebuss]

I actually think they have some plans for that for some kind of midrise housing http://www.humphreys.com/v3_projects.php?p...project_type=OB

[okinawatyphoon]

Yeah near the Scope is a lot of parking lots if I'm not mistaken, and the Downtown Plaza shopping center! That is our goldmine!

[ace707]

Yeah near the Scope is a lot of parking lots if I'm not mistaken, and the Downtown Plaza shopping center! That is our goldmine!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

They definitely won't rush on putting something on those plots of land. Downtown land is becoming so rare and hard to come by that the city would rather put something there 20 years from now when a dream come true opportunity comes (i.e. MacArthur Center Mall and all the parking lots it was built on, etc...).

[rusthebuss]

They already have plans for it but they are just not talking about it right now. I've heard suggestions about the land but no one wants to say anything about this. I think alot of things will come once the city hall and courthouses have begun construction.

[Former Resident of HR]

As I said before, in the next few years, look for downtown to be pushed across Brambleton in more than just name. That block of Granby where the big gun shop is has a lot of lot and derilect buildings that should be developed. There are a couple of mid-rises, in fact one that is just being remodeled on Monitcello.

The goldmine that Norfolk has is the fact that there are all those housing projects surrounding downtown. They need to be redeveloped into something else so that downtown will continue to grow.

Downtown could really use some more retail at street level to compliment the mall. They also need a new library because the one that they have there is a disgrace.

[rusthebuss]

That is what the greyhound station is turning into a new library. TCC and the city are putting it together.

[Greekboy80]

The goldmine that Norfolk has is the fact that there are all those housing projects surrounding downtown.  They need to be redeveloped into something else so that downtown will continue to grow.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Your right about that!

Its a good idea but, where is everyone going to go that lives there? they gonna build a housing project high rise?

[rusthebuss]

I think Norfolk is trying to get away from low income housing projects. They are trying to raise the ownership % over the rentals %.

[Former Resident of HR]

That is what the greyhound station is turning into a new library. TCC and the city are putting it together.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

That is what we have been hearing... but until I see the piles being driven...

[urbanlife]

they better get some big named architect with an amazing modern design for the possible new library.

[urbanfan]

they better get some big named architect with an amazing modern design for the possible new library.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I hope so, I'm tired of seeing the same bland mediocre crap that gets thrown up here all the time.

[rusthebuss]

I hope you guys are right. I hope that it stands out. Nothing like a good library that stands out in the city.

[okinawatyphoon]

Yeah Norfolk's library is pretty bland from what I remember....is it the one near MacArthur Memorial? If it is, then wow, it needs to be replaced.

[Former Resident of HR]

Yeah Norfolk's library is pretty bland from what I remember....is it the one near MacArthur Memorial? If it is, then wow, it needs to be replaced.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

bland? roach-infested heap would be a more apt description. I guess it is hard to see how bland it is when you are overpowered by the stench of mold/body odor/employees' bad breath when you walk in the door. Of course the sleeping security guard at the front door is an added "bonus".

[rusthebuss]

Yeah thats the Kirn Memorial Library and it sucks very bad

[urbanlife]

LMAO I forgot about the Kirn Memorial Library. Oh god was that place horrible.

[okinawatyphoon]

Haha I didn't know it was that bad. I've never actually been in it, just seen it from a distance. lol. Hopefully this TCC library will be a signature one.

[okinawatyphoon]

Well, returning to the original question. I think that after Harbor Heights, Trader, Hilton, Granby Tower, and Harbor's Edge, that a new office tower will be announced. I also think that Fort Norfolk will develop very nicely and hopefully get closer to completion in the coming years.

[rusthebuss]

Let's hope there will be, my concern is that we do get that building and we fill it with a new company to the area with very high paying jobs.

[ace707]

Let's hope there will be, my concern is that we do get that building and we fill it with a new company to the area with very high paying jobs.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Don't get your hopes up though. It's an opportunity but Norfolk themselves are low on cash to give loans, grants, and subsidies to entice such companies. We gotta save for a new library, a long-term savings for a new arena, several mil for a conference center, an insanely expensive courts tower, debt payments of MacArthur Center, renovation and refurbishment of Scope, plus the large number of homes the city said they will be buying over the next few years to be re-built. If a big-paying job is to come, the company will have to be the one to want to come on their own and pay for the majority of expenses. And with Va. Beach sugar-coating their Town Center, it is much easier said than done. What Downtown Norfolk has that TC does not have or at least has limited is the quality atmosphere for businesses which is one of the major reasons Trader decided to come to Norfolk. But it obviously takes more than just that.

[rusthebuss]

The thing that people don't understand is that Trader's hq is already in Norfolk on Main St. or Plume St. can't remember which one. I don't understand why Vabeach was having a fit when the hq was already in Norfolk. It started in Norfolk.

[urbanlife]

rust the hq for Trader is on Granby and Plume in an old E shaped building. VaBeach was so upset because they were trying to steal the company and in the process get a new tower added to there skyline.

I am happy to hear about Fort Norfolk. I have always wanted to see that area becom so much more, it was such a prime location and should be one of Norfolk's top dollar neighborhood.

[rusthebuss]

Alot of that neighborhood is going to be retirement high rises. I heard that they might build another 17 story building like the one they are working on now. Still my main issue is that we get less dependant on the military and grow like a true metro and have more white collar jobs. We have so many blue collar jobs, not that there is anything wrong with that. I just moved up from blue collar to a white collar job.