THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, December 16, 1995 TAG: 9512140270
SECTION: REAL ESTATE WEEKLY PAGE: 3 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Cover Story
SOURCE: BY BRENDA HARRIS, SPECIAL TO REAL ESTATE WEEKLY
LENGTH: Long : 169 lines
People tired of suburban living with its increasing dependence upon the automobile are moving back to the cities. They are seeking a more connected sense of community, and desire the convenience of a place where they can also work, shop, worship and socialize, possibly commuting on foot.
One area that appeals to those seeking this aura of community is Ghent in Norfolk, an ironic twist since Ghent was considered one of Norfolk's first suburbs when it was built in the late 1800s. The advent of the trolley car in 1894 was the impetus for the development of outlying areas of core Norfolk. The most prominent of these was Ghent.
Ghent's generally recognized boundaries are 21st Street on the north, Brambleton Avenue on the south, Llewellyn Avenue on the east, and the vast medical complex comprising Eastern Virginia Medical School, Sentara Norfolk General Hospital and Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters on the west.
Once 250 acres of farmland, the area was named for the city in Belgium where the treaty ending the War of 1812 was signed. The Norfolk Company began planning a development in 1890, and its subsidiary, the Ghent Company, completed the project. The subdivision was almost completely built up within a decade. It was Norfolk's most fashionable suburb.
The lower part of Smith's Creek was renamed ``The Hague.'' Driving west on Brambleton Avenue, one can see the spacious waterfront mansions on the Hague with a European look, which today are Ghent's most exclusive residences. Ghent north of Princess Anne Road and the neighborhood of West Ghent were developed later.
Ghent started going downhill during the Great Depression. Houses were divided into multi-family residences as area fortunes changed. During World War II, Ghent had many boardinghouses, thanks to economics and the demand for housing. After the war, East Ghent became a slum.
Ghent's turnaround began in 1957, when the former Atlantic City area was slated for the development of the medical complex. In 1969, the Hague area was declared a conservation area. A historical review board was created to approve any new construction in the blocks designated for preservation to ensure it fit in with the architectural genre.
East Ghent was bought by the Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority. After the old buildings were razed, the upscale neighborhood of Ghent Square was developed.
David Ferebee was born in Ghent, and has lived there for 70 years. He saw the area deteriorate during World War II, but also witnessed its rejuvenation. He estimates that 99 percent of the neighborhood has now been brought up to code. Ghent now attracts young professionals and busy people who don't have time to take care of large yards.
A relative newcomer to the area is Stephanie DiBelardino, who operates the Page House Bed and Breakfast with her husband on Fairfax Avenue. The Georgian Revival-styled house, completed in 1899, underwent a certified historic rehabilitation, and opened for business in October 1991.
``I was raised in New York City,'' DiBelardino says, ``and was used to everything revolving around the neighborhood. I didn't find that in Virginia Beach. I like this area - Ghent celebrates diversity.''
Opportunities still exist for investors willing to spend money to restore an older home. For sale on Colonial Avenue is the 20-room Royster Mansion. Built in 1901 by Frank Royster, it has 8,100 square feet of living space and sits on four city lots.
The large foyer with grand staircase and elegant high- ceilinged rooms including a third-story ballroom give one an idea of what grand living used to be in Ghent's early days. For $389,000 and some renovation, it could be a showcase once again.
Ghent today has 9,500 residents, according to the Norfolk Planning Department. There are condos, apartments, townhouses, a gated community dating to 1903, a retirement home, and single-family houses. Many houses are only 17 feet wide, and sit on lots 25 feet by 125 feet.
Houses can be brand-new or 100 years old, and might be side by side. Prices vary as much as the housing styles do. Condos start at $50,000 while the most expensive house sold this year was around $500,000. The average price of a Ghent residence ranges from $195,000 to $225,000, according to Stacy Goode, an associate broker with Nancy Chandler Associates. According to the City Assessor's Office, the assessments range from $100,000 to $400,000.
Unlike today's planned communities, Ghent's development proceeded without architectural or design restrictions. Houses could be whimsical, to reflect the tastes and personalities of their builders. As a result, the wide variety of architectural styles gives Ghent its characteristic charm.
Along with the varied housing styles, the area also has an interesting mix of residents. According to Goode, a long-time Ghent booster, the neighborhood attracts people who want to blend a high energy lifestyle with a feeling of involvement. Diversity is also a keyword. ``Ghent is a five bean vegetable soup,'' she says. ``You throw everything into a pot, and what you get is wonderful.''
The two main business areas are 21st Street and Colley Avenue. Rather than an anonymous mall atmosphere with the typical chain stores, the eclectic shops and other businesses in the area further celebrate the area's diversity and sense of community.
The shopowners actually know the customers' names. The area is especially noted for some of Norfolk's most popular restaurants.
Colley Avenue is undergoing a rejuvenation to make it more pedestrian-friendly. Trees and benches are being added and streetlights and sidewalks are being replaced. On 21st Street, the elegant peach-colored Palace Shops look new. They aren't, though, and are actually renovated existing buildings that, although dilapidated, were structurally sound. This preservation of older buildings is one of the priorities in Ghent.
One group that activily supports the area is the Ghent Merchants Association. Working closely with the merchants' group, the city has created pedestrian commercial overlay districts on 21st Street and Colley Avenue. Claus Ihlemann, the owner of Decorum on 21st Street, was a main force in creating a strong partnership between the city and the merchants.
Developers have to apply for a development certificate, and the Merchants Association has become a part of the process. Parking areas must be in the rear of new commercial establishments, and the buildings must be within 10 feet of the street-front property line. This was done in an attempt to maintain the pedestrian-friendliness of the area.
The Ghent Neighborhood League is a civic league for residents. The mission of the league is to ``conserve the historical and residential character of the neighborhood, and to promote such goals as to maintain and enhance it as a place to live.''
Its 150-200 members pay $10 per year and receive a quarterly newsletter. As league president, Ernie Edwards is also the liaison to and a non-voting member of the Ghent Merchants Association. By working together, the two groups are actively involved in protecting the history, land use, and property values of the area. The league is also involved with adjacent neighborhoods to promote safety, security and the preservation of the local history.
Ghent's community spirit also extends to the needy. Through the Ghent Ministerial Association, seven area churches cooperate in operating a soup kitchen seven days of the week.
In true ecumenical spirit, Baptist, Episcopal, Presbyterian, Roman Catholic, and United Methodist churches, along with Ohef Shalom Temple, work together to serve the area's less fortunate.
Ghent children attend Taylor Elementary, Blair Middle and Maury High schools. In addition, Ghent Montessori School and the Williams School offer private education nearby. Van Wyck library is in the area. Various parks, some with playground equipment, are scattered throughout the neighborhood.
Many residents enjoy walking through the neighborhood on quiet, shaded sidewalks, stopping to greet and visit with their neighbors. As Stacy Goode says, ``This is an area of porch people. People sit on their porches and and visit with their neighbors.''
Every spring and fall, the area hosts the Stockley Gardens Arts Festival. Proceeds from the festival benefit the Hope House, a non-profit organization providing support services for those with developmental disabilities.
A Masquerade in Ghent was held on Halloween. Theatrical groups and mimes performed during the day and an adult band at night.
The holiday season is ushered in by candles tastefully lighting up almost every window. An innovation this year will be the First Night Norfolk festival on Dec. 31. It will start with a Mayor's Walk from Blair Middle School and end with the dropping of an illuminated ball at midnight at Stone Park beside the Hague. Arts groups and fireworks will also be featured.
Ghent, with its highly-developed sense of history, civic responsibility and community, will surely make First Night Norfolk a continuing tradition for years to come. ILLUSTRATION: [Cover, Color photo]
GHENT TODAY
JIM WALKER
The Virginian-Pilot
[Color Photos]
JIM WALKER
A dredger interrupts life along Mowbray Arch on The Hague. Right,
the row houses at Colonial Avenue and Olney Road.
Pembroke Avenue is the sight of many Ghent's more stately
dwellings.
Staff photo by JIM WALKER
The Chrysler Museum is part of the Ghent scene. The neighborhood
will stage its inauguaral First Night Norfolk event on New Year's
Eve.
by CNB