Throwback Thursday – Bring Back Arch Lighting To Granby Street

Last week, I posted a photo of Granby that included some arch lighting.  Who knew that there would be such a response?  Seems like there’s a bit of a demand of it and maybe it’s something city leaders should consider bringing back.

1909, Granby Street.  New Arch Lights in Operation 1909-1925

Photo Courtesy of Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority Photo Archive

Take the story of Short North in Columbus, Ohio. This city was once known as “Arch City.”  Arch lighting once adorned most of the city and arches were routinely added in order to attract visitors.  But like with most other cities, the arches were eventually taken down and replaced by more generic lamp posts.

Today, however, they’re making a comeback.  Over 17 high tech LED arches have been resurrected, which have the capability of providing over a million colors.  Evening light shows now attract visitors from all over on the hour after dark and have become a hallmark of the street.

Short North has lights that change colors

CC Image courtesy of PINEAPPLE XVI on Flickr

Better lighting could greatly improve Granby Street.  And something grand such as arch lighting creates vibrancy that Granby doesn’t have.  It would create a welcome atmosphere that could be seen from afar and make a statement that something is going on there.  It would point visitors towards the restaurants and retail of Granby.

I would love for the city to undertake a signature project like this but I also realize there’s a cost to everything.  So if arch LED lighting is a bit outside the budget, I offer this alternative.  Let’s just string lights back and forth across Granby St just as the city did for last year’s Meet, Greet and Imagine.  That’s an incredibly cheap way to go, while at the same time creates an ambiance that can't be found anywhere in our area.