rocktop

Thnx for the feedback, the Waterside would be razed and converted to parkland. The pavilion would front the river and flow onto the park lawn complementing festivals, balls, concerts, civic events and conventions. These are preliminary plans with the goal of showing the city the potential of what can become a world class port of call rather than a food court. I’m working on putting together a presentation with artist’s renderings, conceptual drawings and photoshop pics before the city signs away our riverfront to outside developers like the state did with the tunnels. Any help would be appreciated.

I would like to submit a new development proposal for the Norfolk waterside area. Basically, I am offering to purchase the neighboring aging Sheraton Hotel with intentions of building a modern 30 story high rise hotel that would front Waterside drive and create an urban pedestrian friendly streetscape. Connected to the tower would be the Waterside Convention Center, the 60,000 sf multi use pavilion, the one that studies confirm the city would benefit. Norfolk would own, the hotel manages. The plot that the Waterside sits on would be an addition to Town Point Park adding more than 50% more parkland. Connected to the Center soars a 40 story lighthouse, clad with LED light panels rising to the top of the tower with a beacon crowning the apex with search lights and lasers. The world’s tallest lighthouse reflecting on the river as ground zero for buoy number one on the inter coastal waterway. This icon for Norfolk would be a landmark and the most photographed skyline as the colors and computerized graphics glow. The lookout has three levels at the top, a public level, a commercial level for a restaurant and a hall level for parties and weddings. The elevator ride would cost a fee while the walk on the spiral steps would be free. The Norfolk Lighthouse would pay for itself while not using a large footprint of parkland. The new design which promotes walking, window shopping and outdoor cafes gives the city of Norfolk a golden opportunity to develop the façade of the Waterside parking garage into multi story storefronts excellent for souvenir, apparel, and eating establishments taking full advantage of the spectacular harbor view while at the same time masking the nondescript carcass of a parking garage. There is ample room between the sidewalk and the structure and plenty more space on both ends to accomplish this. We also encourage the Harvey Lindsay development of the new bank tower, the hotel and the architectural firm’s headquarters as they proposed which would provide the urban density envisioned for a vibrant and lively riverfront city.