10 Burning Questions On Waterside Live

I recently had the opportunity to chat with Downtown Norfolk Civic League President Kevin Murphy to discuss Waterside Live.  We’ve all heard Waterside perspectives from those on city council, but haven’t really heard from anyone on the ground level who actually lives, works and plays downtown.

CC Image courtesy of Norfolk Department of Development

1.  As everyone knows, Waterside Live was approved by city council in August. What's the latest your hearing in terms of a time frame?

KM: I’ve heard that the structural improvements will be complete within 18 months.  Considering that the deal has been finalized, there’s a huge financial incentive for Cordish to renovate and lease the property and generate income as quickly as possible.

2.  What is your impression of Cordish Cos.? Do you trust them to meet their deadlines and complete the project?

KM: The Cordish Companies’ proposal demonstrates an understanding of the community’s desire to re-purpose the existing structure and keep it open to the public.  As I mentioned, there is a financial incentive for them to complete the project quickly and program it with successful businesses.  Thus, I trust that Waterside Live will reflect the wants of the community.

3.  Some people think this will be Waterside 2.0. How do you think Waterside Live will differ from the original Waterside?

KM: Waterside Live will have an emphasis on dining and entertainment and less retail than the original Waterside.  Structurally, the property should have a better relationship with its surroundings than the current design.  Specifically, the building will be opened toward Waterside Drive and the Elizabeth River.

4.  Is there any concern that Waterside Live will take away from the dining and entertainment on Granby Street?

KM: In addition to increasing the number of dining and entertainment options in Norfolk, Waterside Live will increase the total dollars spent on said activities by attracting more people to downtown.  Granby Street will always be the heart of dining and entertainment in downtown Norfolk.  However, it needs to reinforce its position as the authentic urban experience in Hampton Roads to distinguish itself from Waterside Live, or any other dining, retail, and entertainment destinations in our area.

5.  What's the best way to bridge the two areas together?

KM: In many ways, downtown Norfolk has its back turned to the waterfront.  In order to “stitch” the areas together, Waterside Drive needs to be traversable and feature dining and shopping destinations.  Here are two suggestions:

1.     Reduce the number of lanes on Waterside Drive to slow automobile traffic and improve the pedestrian experience.  The curbside lanes could be converted to bicycle lanes to encourage biking in downtown.

2.     Add retail and/or dining establishments to the north side of Waterside Drive.  There is ample space along the south side of the Waterside Garage to build shops and restaurants.

People will walk between downtown and Waterside if the routes are traversable and there are destinations along the way.

6.  Why do you think the Harvey Lindsay proposal (Convention Center, new office towers, "skyline" walkway) wasn't chosen?

KM: The new office building was the only attractive portion of the HL proposal.  A convention center on the water would do little to activate the waterfront and it’s debatable whether Norfolk can attract the national conventions necessary to justify a convention center.  The proposed skyway would have taken people off the street thus detracting from street-level business and the vibrancy that pedestrians generate.  Fortunately, the new hotel/conference center will be built on the site where HL proposed the office building and is appropriate for the regional meetings and conferences that Norfolk is well-positioned to attract.

7.  Many people were bummed out about not getting an iconic structure like the proposed "skyline" walkway similar to the one in NYC. Other folks said it could have never worked here. What do you think?

KM: Waterside is already Norfolk’s most iconic structure.  Doesn’t it make more sense to re-purpose the space and leverage the facility’s existing brand strength rather than tearing it down?  That’s what’s special about the High Line in NYC.  It’s a re-purposed historic freight rail line that was converted into a truly unique pedestrian experience.  Norfolk needs to do more to build on its history rather than tearing it down and starting anew.  

8.  Over a year ago, Norfolk City Council was trying to decide which proposal to pursue.  As someone who this will directly affect, which one were you in favor of and why?

KM: I preferred the Cordish proposal because it makes the best use of the existing structure and its proximity to the waterfront.  By appealing to a diverse audience and presenting a dynamic new look, Waterside will attract visitors from Hampton Roads and surrounding regions. 

9.  If any, which elements of this project are you most excited about?

KM: I am most excited that the structure will be opened up to downtown and the waterfront.  The visual connection between downtown and the waterfront is very important.

10.  What is your ultimate vision of the role Waterside Live will play downtown?

KM: Waterside Live will bring new visitors to downtown thus increasing the overall vibrancy and economic activity.  In the short term, it should jump start the process of connecting the waterfront to downtown.  Ultimately, I hope that Waterside Live will play a role in stimulating development along the waterfront toward Harbor Park.

Special thanks to Kevin for taking the time to answer these questions.  For more information on Waterside Live, click here.