THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, April 20, 1996 TAG: 9604190454
SECTION: REAL ESTATE WEEKLY PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Cover Story
SOURCE: BY ROBERT K. TURNBULL, SPECIAL TO REAL ESTATE WEEKLY
LENGTH: Long : 154 lines
In 1969 it was up. In 1982 it was down. And now, according to Art Pfieffer, resident and store owner, downtown Portsmouth is on its way up again.
If ever a city hub could be compared to a roller coaster ride, it's downtown Portsmouth. It's had its thrills and chills, a few political loops and some economic ups and downs.
Nowadays, new residential neigborhoods are being created within walking distance, older subdivisions are holding their own and an increasing number of store owners are selling their wares in the central business district.
Those who choose to live there have trendy shops to frequent and a nice view of the yachts, Navy ships and tugboats plying the Elizabeth River.
Owner of Pfieffer's Books and Cards - actually it's a book (new and used), card, gourmet and wine store - 22-year resident Art Pfieffer is also vice president of the Portsmouth's Downtown Merchant's Association.
He proudly conveys that, ``Portsmouth is the jewel of Tidewater. All it needs is a little polish. And right now we are polishing it to a very brilliant glow.''
As part of this polishing, the city has enacted a program termed ``Portsmouth 2005.'' The vision of this program is to improve the entrances and exits of the city such as London Boulevard, the Midtown Tunnel, the Downtown Tunnel and Effingham Street, so that they are more appealing to visitors.
What's more, as part of the 2005 project, Tidewater Regional Transit will be bringing the Elizabeth Ferry to Portsmouth. The ferry, which docks in Norfolk's Waterside port, will arrive at the Portsmouth inlet, allowing tourists as well as residents the opportunity to visit the shops, restaurants and stores throughout Portsmouth's downtown.
Inlaid with red-brick and well-lit by gas-lamp style street lights, the downtown sidewalks are wide enough to drive a bus on, though not recommended. Cobblestone center dividers along the main roads are a virtual kaleidoscope of colors as tulips bloom in beds shaded by dozens of Crape Myrtle trees.
Downtown's clean streets and open environment have drawn a burgeoning of new small businesses. For example, try ``The Artist's Palette,'' an art gallery that sells art supplies and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner Southwestern style.
The Sotto Voce Coffee House has what could be called the local bulletin board where people hang business cards, fliers and an occasional comic strip a customer finds particularly humorous.
Whether their preferences are gourmet or down-home dining, visitors can choose from a multitude of restaurants like Cafe Europa, Barron's Bar and Pub and even a New York style deli.
The locals here want to see Portsmouth survive,'' explains Dutch Andrews, president of his neighborhood civic league. ``That's why you see so many of these new small businesses emerging.''
The Commodore Theater, for example, is one of downtown's business and entertainment gems. ``This is the finest theater in Tidewater,'' maintains Andrews. ``You've got the THX sound, a wide screen, nice soft chairs on rollers . . . you order service by telephone, and have small lamps on your table.''
With a remodeled 1950s-style entrance, art deco interior, balcony, sit-down tables complete with phone and hand-painted murals that line the inside walls, one would expect to pay a high price.
But the Commodore only costs $5 for a balcony view seat, and a $5 minimum purchase for one of their 58 plush tables if they happen to be sold out on the weekends. The theater is hopping Fridays and Saturdays; customers must buy their tickets early.
At the center of downtown stands the two-year old Virginia Children's Museum, recognizable by the bright primary-colored art deco polls and structure.
``We have had outstanding results,'' Andrews says. ``You can get inside the cab of a fire engine. It's hands on. You can actually climb up on a rock wall, sit on a police motorcycle, blow bubbles. It's supported by the state and the city.''
Dutch and his wife Cheryl live in a Georgian Colonial home in Shea Terrace, a neighborhood founded in 1901 just outside downtown. ``My grandma was born on a farm here in Portsmouth back in 1888,'' he says.
Dutch, also born and raised in Portsmouth, and Cheryl, a real estate agent, are both familiar with and proud of Portsmouth's heritage.
``Downtown Portsmouth is a collection of pleasure for me,'' Cheryl says. ``I absolutely love the older homes that remain in their splendor and the quaintness of the shops and restaurants can't be beat.''
Most of the downtown homes were built around the mid- to late 1800s, some even dating to the late 1700s.
What's even more interesting, some residents boast, is that Portsmouth possesses the largest collection of antique homes between Washington, D.C., and Charleston, S.C.
Unfortunately, not all the downtown homes have been kept up over the centuries.
One restored downtown neighborhood - Olde Towne - has enjoyed excellent success in luring home buyers with its federal-style architecture and tree-lined streets.
As part of the Portsmouth 2005 program, many of the older homes have been vinyl sided, though original shingles still remain on some, keeping the antique feel.
Numerous brick- and vinyl-sided townhouses have been developed.
Condominiums have gone up on the waterfront properties, and new construction is prevalent where dilapidated houses once stood.
Along the Columbia Commons, another development where decaying homes once rested, new brick traditional Georgian Colonial-style dwellings have sprung up, ranging in price from $115,000 to $150,000.
There are approximately 17 lots in the Columbia Commons, and the area is already three-quarters sold out.
In addition to being well lit, the downtown streets ``are well patrolled by horse patrols, foot and bicycle patrols,'' says Andrews.
``Portsmouth is a small town in a large metropolitan area,'' Art Pfieffer says. He believes that the city's crime reputation is exaggerated and that police patrols downtown have made the area safe.
Downtown plays host to numerous celebrations throughout the year such as the SeaWall Festival that coincides with downtown Norfolk's popular Harborfest and the Art Festival scheduled for later this spring.
Before long there will be the Umoja Festival near Portside - a waterfront marketplace - to celebrate African-American history.
The Crew Classic takes place every March for college students who come to compete in crew boats.
Pfieffer says ``this is a great place to get involved with if you're looking for a retail spot.
``The Ferry will funnel people right down High Street to find this beautiful, quaint area with shops and restaurants. Everything's going up new.
``If you want to invest, now's the time to invest in Portsmouth. Right now!'' ILLUSTRATION: [Cover, Color photo]
PORTSMOUTH REDISCOVERED
Mark Mitchell
The Virginian-Pilot
[Color Photos]
Mark Mitchell
The Portsmouth Lightship Museum is a familiar harbor sight. The
Admiral's Landing condos are in the background.
Olde Towne is a nice place to relax on your front porch. This scene
is from Middle Street.
Staff photos by Mark Mitchell
Modern single-family houses along Crawford Street in downtown
Portsmouth. The area is a blend of condos, old homes and newer
neighborhoods.
Dutch and Cheryl Andrews are big boosters of the Portsmouth
potential.
by CNB