Norfolk Arts and Entertainment

[Helium3]

It seems like Norfolk (and Va. Beach and Chesapeake etc...) have some sort of vendetta against interesting designs for residential buildings. You would think that they'd at least try something different in a proven Arts District, but this thing looks just like the bland apartments that are about to go up on St. Paul's. More residential in this area is exactly what's needed, and it's still early in the planning process so I'll hold my breath, but it's hard to get too excited when the designs all look like this.

[lil-bear]

This thing looks like a 1960s era motor lodge with parking underneath.... YUCK!

[BFG]

Apparently the Planning Commission did not respond favorably to this, resulting in the developer sending a passive-aggressive note to Mayor Fraim, threatening to sell the building and invest in another city. He also directed a few jabs at the Neon District.

As a result, an "emergency" planning commission meeting re: the building is scheduled for Friday at 4:30 p.m. So, expect this eyesore to become a reality.

[vdogg]

Not necessarily, they could tell him to go and take his threats with him. If he's going to throw a temper tantrum because we don't want him building crap downtown then I have no problem with him taking his ball and going home. Don't be cheap, try to work with the community that is going to give your business money. It's this type of arrogance that turned me off to Stone Brewing. I've never personally responded very well to threats and I don't think the city should either.

[Urbanlooker]

Interesting concept may be pretty cool. 

http://pilotonline.com/entertainment/restaurants/alcohol/community-brewery-plans-to-open-on-granby-street/article_46d43874-8d66-5075-b56d-64fec776a93f.html

Not really sure if this goes here but it is in the arts district. 

[vdogg]

Well, that worked out for the better. Now we have 2 additional new businesses in the area where we previously had one.

[Arctic_Tern]

Yeah, and didn't Alchemy NFK relocate to the Work|Release building? That segment of granby seems to be thriving under the NEON banner.

[lil-bear]

I for one would like to know if the city has any plans on "street-scaping" the district.

New curbs, sidewalks, unique street lights, and so on is long overdue!

[Urbanlooker]

http://pilotonline.com/inside-business/new-business-coming-to-granby-street-in-neon-district/article_0d656a49-4b53-53fb-94a1-198937f928fb.html

Quite a bit of activity coming to the neon district in the coming days and weeks. A subcommittee was also formed in order to address the streetscape lighting and walkability of the district as well. 

[vdogg]

Night life North of Brambleton is hopping! Parlor grand opening tonight and whole block is buzzing. I'd say this neighborhood is completely revitalized.

Granby social Club

[vdogg]

One last photo.  Now this reminds me of the type of clubs you see in bigger cities. More of this please.  I am genuinely shocked at how well the neon district has taken off. You want to get millenials? THIS gets millennials. 

Edited May 1, 2016 by vdogg
Autocorrect butchered a sentence.

[BFG]

I've wanted to check out Granby Street Social Club ever since I heard about its proposal. A place that isn't strictly a club or bar, just a place to have fun and grab a bite to eat. The pics look great!

Hopefully, as Norfolk tries to transition towards a "24-hour downtown", GSSC is one of the places that stays open later...that kind of restaurant would be perfect!

Edited May 1, 2016 by BFG

[lil-bear]

http://pilotonline.com/business/real-estate/norfolk-developer-gadams-buys-properties-near-chrysler-museum-for-apartments/article_00bca2fc-74ae-566f-847f-404451318625.html

 

Buddy Gadams is on the move in NEON district!

[skylinefan]

WVEC News story on the continued growth of Norfolk's Neon District.

http://www.13newsnow.com/news/local/mycity/norfolk/parts-of-norfolk-undergoing-revitalization/441461076

[baobabs727]

This will be huge!

I loved this video so much I had to post it.

 

[carolinaboy]

It's infrastructure projects like this (libraries, museums, parks, public art) that contribute greatly to an urban environment, whether public or private projects. One more destination for people to go to is always a good thing.

[jeffconn]

I've gone to the noon presentations at the Glass Studio a few times.  A lot of fun, but it does get a bit crowded in there sometimes. The studio wasn't really made for a big audience. Hopefully you will still be able to get up close and personal during the demonstrations. And having gallery space so you can see the creations right there is a nice plus.

[baobabs727]

RD Wilhelm Distilling Company and Unplugged lounge announced for opening in Norfolk's groundbreaking and expanding NEON Arts District. 

http://southsidedaily.com/2017/06/13/business-live-music-lounge-looking-to-promote-local-talent-in-norfolks-neon-district/

[baobabs727]

Yet another new development for the NEON Arts District!

Bearded Bird Brewery opens for business. Described as a huge garage for home brewers, 30 at any given time. 

http://southsidedaily.com/2017/06/14/news-norfolk-bearded-bird-brewery-lets-homebrewers-take-part-in-the-fun/

Edited June 15, 2017 by baobabs727

[jeffconn]

Some needed street repairs on the corner of Brambleton and Granby are happening, thanks to federal grant moneys.

https://pilotonline.com/news/local/transportation/brambleton-and-granby-intersection-to-get-special-look-for-neon/article_a96238bd-76b5-5b47-9f19-2c0f0558e6d3.html

Fixing this intersection is LONG overdue. Every time i cross Brambleton on that corner, i make sure to update my will! Hopefully they will put some traffic cameras there to catch the many, many people who run red lights there.

[BFG]

That's pretty cool. With NEON coming into its own, I wonder if a pedestrian bridge could ever become a reality, esp. depending on what happens with Greyhound? Since the feds own the Granby Tower site, go ahead and do something with the park and have a bridge start/end there.

[baobabs727]

NEON District is growing every year, but stakeholders say more businesses with daytime hours are needed.

https://pilotonline.com/inside-business/news/arts/norfolk-s-neon-district-sees-growth-but-wants-more/article_22689704-647a-5264-9aa1-68a8231c3076.html

[BFG]

Some more restaurants would be nice, but I think there need to be more shopping options or something else entertainment-based. 

[vdogg]

Oh look, another "me too" arts district. 

Let's support Norfolk's arts district. Let's at least get that off the ground and IF they develop some synergy, we can move on to districts in other areas. We don't need one in Portsmouth, we don't need one in VB, we don't need one in Chesapeake, etc. Let's work together on this.

https://pilotonline.com/entertainment/arts/portsmouth-designates-new-arts-district-but-it-won-t-have/article_06f7712b-53da-52d9-9baa-73dc9c05ccc1.html

[BFG]

On one hand, I'm glad that Hampton Roads is embracing and encouraging the arts. On the other hand, like you, I kinda feel like it takes away from the NEON District. NEON gets some (much-deserved) national press from time to time, but if other cities keep trying to build their own arts district, it takes away from Norfolk.

It's like it helps the region grow artistically and hurts the region because it kinda dilutes the waters a bit.