Norfolk Hilton Project

[lil-bear]

The design is blocky. To me is looks like a couple of different buildings stacked on top of one another.

I think that this needs to be re-designed.

"U-G-L-Y they ain't got no alibi, it's UGLY yeah! It's UGLY yeah!"

[Chesapeake Pirate]

At a meeting of the Downtown Norfolk Council membership this morning, Norfolk Director of Development Rod Woolard stated, in response to a question on the status of the project, that this is a public-private effort and that they were dealing with unprecedented construction cost increases. As a result, they were actively working on dealing with that. RLJ remains committed and the city is definitely committed, and they were "getting close".

[vdogg]

At a meeting of the Downtown Norfolk Council membership this morning, Norfolk Director of Development Rod Woolard stated, in response to a question on the status of the project, that this is a public-private effort and that they were dealing with unprecedented construction cost increases. As a result, they were actively working on dealing with that. RLJ remains committed and the city is definitely committed, and they were "getting close".

[johnhowell]

Slightly discouraging, I was expecting as much. Does this mean we shouldn't expect a deal in November either?

[urbanlife]

So how many years now has the project been in the making? Delay after delay after delay.

[Padman]

I understand that with the housing slowdown, costs of construction materials has begun to drop. It would follow that the same would be true for labor costs. I don't know about local conditions, though. In any case, it's good news for the real projects on the boards. I don't know if it helps the Hilton project. Seems to me that they might want to give it a go very soon.

[NSUREDD]

Any news on this project?? I can not belive how they are keeping this information so quiet.

[johnhowell]

There is news, just not much.

[vtfan18]

I realize I'm a little late adding comments about the design but I don't think its that bad. I'm tired of seeing fat stumpy buildings. Tall and "skinny" definitely adds an added dimension to the skyline. I really like the use of glass. We need more of that here! I'm also glad to see the use of added depth to part of the structure through the use of usable roof-top. I nice restaurant or bar with some roof top access would be great! I'm not sure about the materials on the main structure, it'll probably be boring pre-cast concrete. Westin in Va Beach looks like a "real" highrise although the pre-cast concrete looks boring as hell. I'm sure it's probably a bit difficult for our un-original local architects to come up with something striking given the odd L shape. But I think it'll be ok.

[urbanlife]

I realize I'm a little late adding comments about the design but I don't think its that bad. I'm tired of seeing fat stumpy buildings. Tall and "skinny" definitely adds an added dimension to the skyline. I really like the use of glass. We need more of that here! I'm also glad to see the use of added depth to part of the structure through the use of usable roof-top. I nice restaurant or bar with some roof top access would be great! I'm not sure about the materials on the main structure, it'll probably be boring pre-cast concrete. Westin in Va Beach looks like a "real" highrise although the pre-cast concrete looks boring as hell. I'm sure it's probably a bit difficult for our un-original local architects to come up with something striking given the odd L shape. But I think it'll be ok.

[gosscj]

I heard on NPR today that Mr. Johnson was just announced as a partner in a major development here in Philadelphia. They don't know what they're in for...

[urbanlife]

I heard on NPR today that Mr. Johnson was just announced as a partner in a major development here in Philadelphia. They don't know what they're in for...

[vdogg]

haha! Poor Philly.

[PeninsulaKiddo]

Someone has to warn these people before it's too late!

[urbanlife]

connection to the street should be a key element in every new building in Norfolk.

[brikkman]

For a hotel, its pretty cheesy if you ask me. But I would rather have something tall and cheesy than nothing at all. With every new structure, I always expect the best, state-of-the-art, new icon or something. I'm just not feeling that with this rendering

[NSUREDD]

I am not getting the angle of the picture. How will it fit next to the resturants on Granby? How close does it get next to Selden Arcade?

[vdogg]

From the article:

"Fraim said a final deal will be signed by mid-November and construction will begin in April or May."

[PeninsulaKiddo]

Mid-November is quickly slipping away. Lets hope they get something accomplished next week before thanksgiving.

[NSUREDD]

Three more days and not a word from te city.

[vdogg]

I'm putting this project back into the "I'll believe it when I see it pile."

[urbanlife]

I already have my reservation set for when it opens! weird though, they asked for a couple million up front? Something about being an investor.....must be like a gift package thing.

[spiker3]

I may have just not seen it, but i drove past the lot tonight at there wasn't a single thing pointing towards utility work or construction anymore on the site, i may just be blind but it might be another reason to be skeptical. And how bout that deadline?

[vdogg]

I may have just not seen it, but i drove past the lot tonight at there wasn't a single thing pointing towards utility work or construction anymore on the site, i may just be blind but it might be another reason to be skeptical. And how bout that deadline?

[rusthebuss]

I really wonder what the hush hush is for on this project. The city can't give anymore since they are right at their budget for a while. Maybe Johnson is pushing for more incentives. I can't think of what else he would want from the city. There really hasn't been anything like the GSA to prevent this project from being built.

I really want the project to be built but at the sametime as a citizen I don't want the city to get screwed in the whole deal just to get another high rise.