Granby Street, Norfolk
Granby Street in Norfolk, Virginia, serves as the city鈥檚 historic main corridor, known for its mix of early 20th-century architecture, commercial heritage, and modern redevelopment. This storied thoroughfare began in the 18th century and, by the early 1900s, evolved into Norfolk鈥檚 primary commercial spine-flourishing with merchants, theaters, and notable department stores, transforming from a residential lane into the heart of the city鈥檚 retail life.
As time marched into the mid-20th century, Granby Street faced decline. Suburban malls offering climate-controlled comfort and ample parking drew both shoppers and businesses away. In a bid to adapt, city leaders transformed it into the 鈥淕ranby Mall,鈥� closing it to automobile traffic and revamping its streetscape. That experiment, however, backfired-making the street less accessible and diminishing its activity and appeal.
Fortunately, a renewed spirit emerged in the late 1990s with the construction of MacArthur Center, a modern shopping mall nearby. Its arrival injected new life into Downtown Norfolk-prompting infrastructure upgrades, streetscape improvements, and private investment. Granby Street鈥檚 once-vacant storefronts were reborn as stylish restaurants, bars, offices, and lofts.
It features fine examples of Classical Revival, Beaux Arts, and Italianate architectural styles: landmarks such as the Beaux Arts鈥搒tyle Virginia Bank and Trust Building and the Art Deco鈥搒tyled Walter E. Hoffman U.S. Courthouse. Moreover, the Downtown Norfolk Council organizes a free walking tour of Granby Street that highlights its historical evolution, covering its early role as a retail hub, the decline brought by suburban development, and the large-scale revitalization projects that shaped its modern identity.
As time marched into the mid-20th century, Granby Street faced decline. Suburban malls offering climate-controlled comfort and ample parking drew both shoppers and businesses away. In a bid to adapt, city leaders transformed it into the 鈥淕ranby Mall,鈥� closing it to automobile traffic and revamping its streetscape. That experiment, however, backfired-making the street less accessible and diminishing its activity and appeal.
Fortunately, a renewed spirit emerged in the late 1990s with the construction of MacArthur Center, a modern shopping mall nearby. Its arrival injected new life into Downtown Norfolk-prompting infrastructure upgrades, streetscape improvements, and private investment. Granby Street鈥檚 once-vacant storefronts were reborn as stylish restaurants, bars, offices, and lofts.
It features fine examples of Classical Revival, Beaux Arts, and Italianate architectural styles: landmarks such as the Beaux Arts鈥搒tyle Virginia Bank and Trust Building and the Art Deco鈥搒tyled Walter E. Hoffman U.S. Courthouse. Moreover, the Downtown Norfolk Council organizes a free walking tour of Granby Street that highlights its historical evolution, covering its early role as a retail hub, the decline brought by suburban development, and the large-scale revitalization projects that shaped its modern identity.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Norfolk. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Granby Street on Map
Sight Name: Granby Street
Sight Location: Norfolk, USA (See walking tours in Norfolk)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Norfolk, USA (See walking tours in Norfolk)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Norfolk, Virginia
Create Your Own Walk in Norfolk
Creating your own self-guided walk in Norfolk is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Norfolk Introduction Walking Tour
The Southern forces were left dumbfounded when one of their own, Norfolk native Mary Louvestre, revealed their plans to the Union government. Mary's act gave the Union navy an upper hand in the sea battle against Confederate ships.
In 1636, English colonists established a small settlement along the Elizabeth River, recognizing the area鈥檚 natural deep-water harbor as a vital asset for... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
In 1636, English colonists established a small settlement along the Elizabeth River, recognizing the area鈥檚 natural deep-water harbor as a vital asset for... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles