THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, July 10, 1996 TAG: 9607100008
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A8 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: 42 lines
The streets of downtown Norfolk are a sharp contrast to the scene just two years ago, thanks to the long, hard work of the city and the businesses that continue to open downtown.
Living and working downtown, I am in daily contact with people from the region and other parts of the world.
Most of these people view downtown as a charming place with a personality all its own, which makes it so appealing.
We continue to see more people downtown at night - visiting local restaurants and window-shopping.
We have witnessed Granby Street come to life in a relatively short time. Our city should encourage this trend and learn from it.
MacArthur Center should be a collaboration of ideas from those concerned in this revitalization project.
Visitors and locals feel strongly about a more-open, street-friendly, classic urban-style shopping experience in downtown. We believe a win-win situation for all parties can be accomplished in the design of MacArthur Center.
Being more open to city streets would provide lunch-hour convenience for the 50,000 people who are on a tight work schedule. Storefronts on ground levels of garages similar to those across from the Marriott Hotel might be considered.
A suburban brick-box-style mall is a destination in and of itself. However, our entire downtown should be the destination to a degree, and MacArthur Center should be a very-important component of downtown.
The sentiment I hear from many people is that they are tired of the typical malls and superstores.
With a little effort we can have a shopping experience that isn't another run-of-the-mill brick box. It may cost more, but I believe it to be a worthy long-term investment if done properly.
I welcome MacArthur Center and hope that a positive collaboration from the city, the developers and the people will enhance a true renaissance of downtown Norfolk.
MARSHALL SMITH
Norfolk, July 2, 1996 by CNB