THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, August 31, 1995 TAG: 9508290153
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 04 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY SCOTT McCASKEY, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 51 lines
There will be partying in the street, but the venue will host a very different celebration from the downtown Norfolk of old.
Once home to a seedy strip of sailor bars, the restored 100 block of Granby Street will offer a more refined brand of revelry with ``Opening Night On Granby Row,'' from 5 to 8 p.m. Sept. 14.
The corridor's eclectic mix of merchants is throwing a block party to announce Granby Row's official arrival in Norfolk. Street entertainers, a jazz band, food vendors from local restaurants, and selections of wines and beers will be complemented by exhibits and specials from the site's art galleries, shops and restaurant. The street will be closed to vehicular traffic.
``There could be several thousand people there,'' said Mary Baker of the Granby Row Committee and proprietor of the street's Norfolk Stationery Co.
Refurbished by property and business owners over the last three years, and recently named ``Granby Row,'' the buildings' turn-of-the-century Beaux Arts style architecture, with facades of detailed brick and masonry, lends a historic backdrop for what could be the beginnings of the city's newest cosmopolitan scene.
Set between Main and Plume streets, the artsy flavor, walk-up appeal and unique shops make the spot a good bet to attract an urbane crowd. Included along the stretch are three art galleries, a tobacco and gift shop, and the Open Wide restaurant.
``The block has a very upscale, urban feel,'' said Wiley Francisco, co-owner of Calvin & Lloyd Art and Decoration.
The Granby Row Committee has sent out several thousand mailers, and a poster is being distributed around the city. The live music will be provided by jazz/blues group Against All Odds. Jugglers and fire-eaters will wade their way through the crowd.
The Downtown Norfolk Council is coordinating the event. The hosts are keeping their fingers crossed about the weather; there are no tents and no rain date. The affair is free and open to the public. Vendor proceeds will benefit Norfolk Harborfest and the Norfolk Holidays In The City celebration. MEMO: For more information, call the Downtown Norfolk Council, 623-1757.
ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by BILL TIERNAN
Phil Haushalter is the owner of Open Wide, a new restaurant in the
revitalized 100 block of Granby St.
by CNB