South Norfolk opens 'Gateway' to future

CHESAPEAKE, Va. - Just over the 464 highway ramp, something big is happening in South Norfolk in Chesapeake. The first mixed-use, mixed-income community dubbed "The Gateway at SONO".

"This project is the first ray of hope that we've had of a rebirth of our area," says SONO Woman's Club President Pat Miles.

The three story retail, commercial and condo space is the first of five areas of South Norfolk's redevelopment plan stretching from the waterfront to Campostella. Space in the area is up for sale, giving owners a greater stake. It's what community leaders like Miles have been itching for.

"Each year we'd say what are we going to do, what part of the community can we donate it to and this came up," said Miles.

The club bought the new heron fountain and two businesses have already moved in.

"We were excited...about expanding physical therapy services in the South Norfolk area. The only PT services are in Battlefield or downtown Norfolk, " said Jeff Hartline with Southeastern Physical Therapy.

Now the developer Jerry Harris would like to see homeowners living in the 15 lofts on top. With construction financing from the Virginia Housing and Development Authority, the lofts will offer special financing rates to first time home buyers.

Harris made sure everything at the building is done with the history of the community in mind.

"One of the reasons we painted the building was we caught some opposition, but one of the reasons is when you look around South Norfolk everything's painted, it's not a brick neighborhood," said Harris.

The community is finally getting the attention it deserves from a city looking ahead to the future.

"The city is studying the idea of offering facade grants to business owners along the corridor. It makes no sense for the city to invest millions of dollars on the streetscape and then have the buildings on the side of the street looking up to par," added Harris.

The Gateway development will expand soon to include another mixed-use building and five residential buildings.