Making Things Happen In The Arts District

If you haven’t heard yet, the Arts District is on the upswing thanks to ongoing efforts that began over a year ago with the vision of Jesse Scaccia and Hannah Serrano of Alt Daily and culminated with the highly-publicized and successful Better Block event this past spring.  The event helped inject energy into an area of the city that had long been neglected.

CC Image courtesy of Kelsie McNair

Scaccia and Serrano met relentlessly with city planners and stakeholders to get their vision off the ground.  They brought attention to the project and even funding to the district.  The city then went and brought Better Block to town.

Once Better Block wrapped up, Arts District advocates and city leaders began working immediately on a long-term plan, centered on an improved infrastructure and zoning in the neighborhood.   They took the ideas and recommendations from the Better Block implementation strategy guide and began implementing them.  Part of this included hiring Urban Design Associates to lead a design charette for streetscaping in the Arts District.

After Better Block, the next question was, “when will businesses start locating there?”  It’s happening right now, and it’s happening fast.  Now that the city has laid the foundation by loosening regulations and by providing incentives, the area is becoming a hot bed.  In just a few months, the following businesses have made moves in the Arts District:

• Alchemy NFK – This community arts center is considered the anchor of the district.  Click here for more.
• The Hurrah Players - Purchased the iconic Texaco Building on Granby Street for building props and settings.  They are considering office space above the first floor and even rental units for out-of-town artists to stay.
• Magazine Lane Properties, LLC – This company very mysteriously bought 3 properties on Magazine St., which runs parallel to Granby St. through the Arts District.  Wonder what they’re up to…
• The Beauty Parlor by Q + Company bought the space next door on Granby St. and has plans to open a café called The Parlor.

Other changes include demolition of the old Zedd’s building (any day now).  This space combined with the already existing parking lots next door, would make for an ideal park in the center of the district (wink, wink).  Steps are being taken to improve the lighting and sidewalks, add bike racks, and incorporate planters for flowers.   Oh yeah, and there’s some art popping up down there too.  A mural for Norfolk is currently under construction as is a usable skating sculpture coordinated by the Public Arts Commission.  Keep these photos in mind because it should be nice to compare them with how things will be a year from now.


Texaco Building



Zedd's building and parking lot

Zedd's looking up Granby

Site of a new cafe