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Sam Mayo
Sales Manager
Coldwell Banker Professional, Realtors®
1818 Monticello Avenue
Norfolk, VA 23517
Phone: (757) 622-5644
Fax: (757) 227-5992
Email: smayo@cb-pro.com |
 The Ghent Historic District in Norfolk is a small residential neighborhood located within walking distance of Norfolk’s central commercial core. Part of a late 19th- and early 20th-century suburban land development, the district encompasses approximately eighty acres in size. Since the early 20th century, the western arm of Smith's Creek has been traditionally referred to as the Hague.
Southeast of the district, the new Ghent pedestrian bridge (erected by the Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority), replaces an earlier vehicle crossing of 1890. Metal and wood benches and electric lamps based on Colonial designs line the center of the bridge. Though historically incorrect, similar lamps are placed throughout the district in a lighting scheme sensitive to the character of the neighborhood. Streetscapes are relatively free of aboveground utility wires and allow unimpeded views of Ghent’s distinct architecture.
Ghent is a richly landscaped neighborhood. In addition to tree-lined streets (including plantings from circa 1890 and 1970), most residences are fronted by shrubbery, neat lawns, and small flower gardens. Large trees with full branches line both grass banks of the Hague providing color and shade and adding to the park-like setting prevalent through most of the district. The banks are partially lined with park benches and are a popular recreational site for--residents, picnickers, and joggers. Terminating both north ends of the Hague and Smith Creek are stone and cement sea walls (1919, 1922). The northwest end of the Hague hold's a small park lawn and benches, the whole set off by low stone walls. Completing, the green belt around the Ghent district, park lawns extend along the entire southern edge of Olney Road. Beechwood Place is the remaining public green in the district; unfortunately it stands neglected and overgrown, surrounded by an ivy-covered chain link fence.
Information provided by www.norfolk.gov
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