THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, January 29, 1997 TAG: 9701290014
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A12 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: 28 lines
Surely the splendid boost to the revitalization of downtown Norfolk is the news of the construction of College Place Square. I agree with Hunter Hogan that until there is residential living in and around downtown, it will not become a successful area.
Forty years ago, James Albano Sr. was actively working for a viable 21st Street retail and business section. He was way ahead of the times. It became a reality only after Ghent was rebuilt and families moved in. And it is a stunning place.
I cut out from The Pilot the architect's rendering of College Place and will file it away to compare with the finished product. The drawing is very attractive, the buildings conform to the old houses in the Freemason Street area. The patch of green park is pleasing. Will the architects and builders follow through with this motif? Or will the city of Norfolk again be saddled with more architectural uglies like Nauticus, College Place condominium parking garages, etc.?
Look at the 18th- and early 19th- century buildings for inspiration, and to the time where neighborhoods were people-friendly. You can't improve on that.
BETTE CASSIDY STANT
Norfolk, Jan. 15, 1997