NORFOLK, VA – The location: 196 W. Ocean View Avenue. The mission: put the “view” back in Ocean View, connect neighborhoods more effectively to the waterfront and create a pedestrian-friendly centralized area.
This site has a long history, beginning in 1918 when the building that would eventually house Greenie’s was constructed. In 1930, Greenie’s opened to the public, remaining in operation until 2018, when the City of Norfolk purchased the site, the restaurant closed, and the building was demolished.
On March 11, 2019, Councilman Tommy Smigiel, Councilwoman Andria McClellan and city staff were joined by 158 residents to discuss the future reuse of the former Greenie’s site. The community was invited to provide input on what they would like to see on the site.
Over the past two years, ongoing public outreach, including civic league and advisory committee meetings, led to a vision for a two-phase redevelopment plan, based on community requests:
- Phase I includes short term actions to return the site to public use;
- Phase II is divided into two options, both of which are intended to build off Phase I and provide flexibility for future needs as determined by the community.
Under Phase 1, the dune line will be reestablished in its proper place to provide natural coastal protection against storm surge and high waves, prevent or reduce coastal flooding and structural damage, and provide important ecological habitat. Upon completion, an extension of the walkway at Ocean View Beach Park behind the dune will be installed along with a new ADA-accessible beach access point over the new dune. Parking spaces will be added as an extension to the current parking lot with a space for food trucks connecting to the new parking lot. Finally, a proposed turf area will be installed that can be programmed later, if desired by the community.
The second phase proposes two options, both of which would occur to the west of 1st View Street and build off the work established in Phase I.
- Option 1: a one-story waterfront restaurant with outdoor and rooftop dining.
- Option 2: a waterfront restaurant with outdoor dining is still proposed, but with a bigger footprint.