Ghentite

Why don't they just call this what it is? Fast food (most likely a chain) and a food court similar to what Portsmouth has in their casino (gross) More importantly they don't want to pay for the marina, which was crucial in extending the esplanade from Waterside past Harbor Park. That's a key element in developing the whole area. They're still half-assing it. I'll pass.

Give it a month before you go. Still working out service and supply issues.

Would you put it past them?

This is already the general feeling of some city decision makers. From what I understand, the Henrico Green City Arena approval may have killed all momentum for NFK pursuing an arena. https://henrico.us/greencity-info/ Will be interesting to see what happens with negotiations with Pharrell on MC.

Mostly everyone I talk to would agree with you.

My experience multiple times as well. Staff standing around chatting it up rather than checking in on customers. Kept trying to go back and give a chance...same result. As you mentioned, it is a great space! Hopefully, someone will find it attractive and manage it right.

I'm surprised it's stayed open as long as it did. Should've closed pre-Covid, IMO. In other news, LeGrand Kitchen was able to avoid closure after rent issues at its former space and is moving to the Crackers location in Riverview

For those of us who live nearby, I can say another brunch option (Broken Egg) is great, especially since they're local. The Cycle Bar and Club Pilates will be good additions to the neighborhood. And Nothing Bundt Cakes is a local biz that will be nice to support. If they can turn the remaining open spots into a brewery (as originally proposed), a coffee shop (as originally proposed, please no Starbucks) and another local dining option, I'll be pleased.

I think there's still a bit of hope for this. These properties we're seeing being filled aren't far off from what was originally planned and flank the boundaries (especially the coffee shop). The meat of the property (the entertainment/brewery/eatery portion) is that middle section that stretches west. At this point, no tenants have been locked up yet for that space, but I hear they're trying.

Agreed. This is the sort of project the city needs to continue shooting for even if it takes longer to happen. If they want to "expand downtown," mixed use is going to be essential, otherwise nobody will go there. If they go with primarily residential (as we've been seeing) for St. Paul's, it's basically creating a border of residential and isolates current downtown.

And let's be honest, the demand is not there yet. Filling commercial space has been an issue downtown even at the lowest/cheapest level for years. The city needs to incentivize, if it's going to compete with other cities. Then you figure, you bring in a new tower with the finest amenities, who can afford that kind of office space? Developers know that. I don't see us bringing in a new office tower for years. It's a much safer bet to fill space by going small.

Nothing vertical yet. Still prepping the land.

Take this for what it's worth, but I have heard some prefer the MacArthur Mall as a potential spot downtown. Would be a major overhaul and seems unrealistic but I've heard it's at least been brought up.

Site work is ramping up. They've been clearing the land. Not sure if they'll re purpose the pilings that have been there for years or not. Wish it had a retail component.

This is how I understand it as well. It's more that she's calling a process foul on the city rather than fighting the actual development. She just wants more transparency and if you follow the Downtown Norfolk Civic League meetings regarding this, there hasn't been much from the city. Most of the residents' questions are either unanswered or vague, yet the city is rushing it through the process.

I don't know why this is such a surprise. We've been talking about this for a few weeks that Star Hill is basically a beer kiosk in the middle of a glorified food court. That said, I run down there at night and the riverfront is already activated by this place with tons of people walking around (and it's not even officially open yet). So while we all know they're not going with what they sold us, it looks to be doing its job and will most likely be profitable.

Not really sure. The demand is from retirees and assisted living patients so that's a specific demographic. Part of the demand isn't all on location either. It's the amenities and treatment and lack of retirement communities in nfk that is drawing people there.

Hearing the groundbreaking will be in the fall. Demand is high, they've sold out of units, and there is actually a lengthy waitlist to secure one. Pretty confident this project will be green-lit and shouldn't have any issues.

From what I understand, Starr hill is basically just a large kiosk in the middle of the market, a glorified beer stand. It's not the brewery that was initially advertised. That is turning out to be the case with most of the establishments announced.

Checked out a few of the new places recently: Jack Brown's burger joint: Small space but was packed on a Sunday night. Great beer selection and delicious and reasonably priced burgers. Solid addition to Granby. Will absolutely go back. Didn't realize it wasn't really a chain. There are two in Harrisonburg and one in Richmond. Concept developed by two JMU grads I believe. Benny Damato's Pizza: Another solid addition to Granby. Really small space but they serve the huge slices you get up in DC that takes two paper plates to hold. Shold take care of the late night crowd. Also didn't realize that it wasn't a national chain. They claim to be home of the VA slice with other shops located throughout the state. Brick Anchor Brew House: Decent beer selection and really nice on the inside as they did a good job of trying to get away from the Jack Quinn's look and made it their own. Food and service (and they were nearly empty but took forever with many of the wait staff standing around) wasn't that great though.

Sorry. I can't put his/her name out there. Just thought I'd share what I heard with you all.

This will continue to be delayed. Hearing Cordish is having a hard time attracting new tenants as the whole "entertainment super center" concept is getting old and is losing money in other cities. They are contemplating turning some of the proposed commercial space into residential. If the city is ever going to pull out and open things back up to other developers, this is a prime opportunity.

The city is balking at the cost.

Figured I'd drop this here but hopefully this takes off. One of the problems identified by the city is that the sidewalks are too narrow to have any decent outdoor dining and this is one way businesses are looking at fixing the issue. http://norfolkliveblog.com/?p=1441

This project has been quiet but there appears to be some movement. http://norfolkliveblog.com/?p=1376