Wards Corner is “A neighborhood rediscovering its pride”

July 31, 2012

Michelle Washington, an editorial writer for the Virginian-Pilot and a Wards Corner resident, wrote an opinion piece about the renovation and rejuvenation of Wards Corner entitled “A neighborhood rediscovering its pride”.

The article can be read in its entirety at the Virginian-Pilot website.

The article mentions the renovations to the shopping center at the northeast corner of Wards Corner, the demolition of the old A.J. Gators, the new Mexican restaurant moving into the old Bobbywood location (Guads @ Granby Street), the arts center at Norfolk Collegiate under construction, and area sewer upgrades as reasons to celebrate the revival of Wards Corner.

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Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.

Intersection improvements coming to E. Little Creek Road and Tidewater Drive

July 23, 2012
Intersection improvements are planned for the E. Little Creek Road and Tidewater Drive intersection in Norfolk

Intersection improvements are planned for the E. Little Creek Road and Tidewater Drive intersection in Norfolk

The City of Norfolk and VDOT are in the preliminary design stage of improvements slated for the intersection of E. Little Creek Road and Tidewater Drive.  Dave Pfiffer with the City of Norfolk Public Works Department will be the project manager.  He indicates that there is not a definitive timeline set at this point.  He does not expect construction to begin in 2012 but he does hope to get out to the civic leagues this coming fall with the proposed renovations.

The current E. Little Creek Road bridge that spans over Tidewater Drive is at the end of its life-cycle at 55 years old.  The bridge will be replaced with a bridge of the same size but the renovated intersection is slated to be greener, more pedestrian friendly, and more bike friendly.

All new traffic signals and travel lanes are expected.  All 4 ramps to/from Tidewater Drive will received a new layer of asphalt.  The concrete on the underpass will be milled and re-paved.  The walls of the underpass will be painted similar to the Monticello Ave underpass as well to give it a cleaner look.

The Tidewater Drive underpass is expected to be repainted similar to the Monticello Ave underpass pictured here

The Tidewater Drive underpass is expected to be repainted similar to the Monticello Ave underpass pictured here

Mr. Pfiffer indicates that E. Little Creek Road and Tidewater Drive  is the third most traveled intersection in the City and he will be taking both the planning and scheduling of the work to the civic leagues and the businesses in the area so as to minimize any negative impacts.  He assures that the outcome will be a cleaner, greener, more pedestrian and bike friendly intersection and that he expects the new bridge to last another 50 years.

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Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.

Midtown Shopping Center progress pictures

July 12, 2012
Midtown Shopping Center, new facade progress pictures, July 11, 2012, Norfolk, Virginia, 1 of 4

Midtown Shopping Center, new facade progress pictures, July 11, 2012, Norfolk, Virginia, 1 of 4

Midtown Shopping Center, new facade progress pictures, July 11, 2012, Norfolk, Virginia, 2 of 4

Midtown Shopping Center, new facade progress pictures, July 11, 2012, Norfolk, Virginia, 2 of 4

Midtown Shopping Center, new facade progress pictures, July 11, 2012, Norfolk, Virginia, 3 of 4

Midtown Shopping Center, new facade progress pictures, July 11, 2012, Norfolk, Virginia, 3 of 4

Midtown Shopping Center, new facade progress pictures, July 11, 2012, Norfolk, Virginia, 4 of 4

Midtown Shopping Center, new facade progress pictures, July 11, 2012, Norfolk, Virginia, 4 of 4

3 Comments | economic development | Tagged: , | Permalink
Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.

“Guads @ Granby St.” to open in the old Bobbywood location at Wards Corner

July 2, 2012

Many thanks to Vicky Haskell, owner and operator of the forthcoming “Guads @ Granby St.”,  for providing the following information about her new restaurant.

Guads @ Granby St. is planned to be a family restaurant serving mexican fare.  This will be the third “Guads” as there is a location at Hilltop and a seasonal location on 21st street at the Virginia Beach oceanfront.  The Guads restaurants are not affiliated with Guadalajara Mexican restaurants located elsewhere in Hampton Roads.

Guads @ Granby St. will be located at 7515 Granby Street which was formerly Bobbywood, A.J. Gators, and briefly the Wards Corner Pub.  Haskell plans for a renovated and rejuvenated look on the inside to include new tile flooring around the bar.  The area used by A.J. Gators for billiards will be re-purposed as a party room for groups of 25-30 and will feature new flooring as well.

Parking for Guads @ Granby St. is anticipated to be both in the front of the restaurant and in the rear of the building.  The parking lot in the rear will be re-graveled.  A new coat of bright yellow paint is expected to adorn the exterior of the restaurant within the next few days.  The blue awnings currently on the building are expected to stay.

Haskell indicates that she will be serving lunch and dinner 7 days a week.  The hours have not been finalized but based on operations at the other two Guads locations, she expects Guads @ Granby St. to close at 10pm Sunday – Thursday and at 11pm on Friday and Saturday.

No entertainment of any kind is planned.  Haskell’s goal is to open the restaurant in early-to-mid August.

 

6 Comments | economic development, wards corner | Tagged: , | Permalink
Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.