New Home Communities | Mr Williamsburg, Revolutionary ideas on real estate!Hampton Roads Virginia

Sales are picking up at East Beach in Norfolk

Posted on August 9, 2012 by mrwilliamsburg

Back in the 1990’s the city of Norfolk spent millions of dollars to buy and tear down 1,600 buildings in East Ocean View and relocate hundreds of low-income residents to make way for an upscale seaside village that resembles an old-fashioned American town.

Those 100 acres nestled on prime real estate between the Chesapeake Bay and Pretty Lake were so dilapidated and crime-ridden that pizza delivery drivers refused to go there. W. Randy Wright, a City Council member at the time, called it the "armpit of Hampton Roads."

Today, nearly 300 brightly painted homes, townhomes and condominiums are occupied, more than half of the development planned for East Beach.

"If you knew what was there before, and what it is now, it’s a piece of art," said Sam Cohen, a custom builder and president of Tidewater Builders Association.

East Beach still faces some challenges, largely because of the economic downturn. Home sales slowed, and spin-off commercial development and revitalization of nearby neighborhoods have lagged expectations. But it has hit some milestones, too: The debt to the city for assembling the land has been paid off, and the final phases of development are moving forward.

With its street-hugging porches, compact layout, green space and other community areas that encourage socializing, East Beach is a place where neighbors are seldom strangers.

"I think people move here because they’re looking for a sense of community," said Pam O’Sullivan, a resident for four years. "It’s different than a neighborhood."

Among the activities that keep residents engaged are organized gatherings every Friday night; a farmers market on Saturdays; and a bay front clubhouse that hosts lectures, wine nights, clubs and classes. A popular way to get around is a golf cart; it’s the only area of Norfolk where the carts are street-legal.

Homearama returns to Norfolk’s East Beach neighborhood

Posted on February 11, 2012 by mrwilliamsburg

While plans are underway for the May 2012 Homerama at Culpepper Landing in Chesapeake , it’s back to the beach – Norfolk’s East Beach community that is – for the TBA ( Tidewater Builders Association) Fall Homearama 2012 showcase of fully furnished and landscaped homes.

The event, set for Oct.13-28, 2012 will mark an unprecedented third time Homearama has visited the award-winning coastal community known for its porches, bay front greens, linear parks, winding, pedestrian friendly streets and sidewalks and other elements of a traditional neighborhood development. Up to 25 lots are available for builders interested in participating, including several bay front lots.

street view The first streetscape in the neighborhood was created for Homearama 2004, after the city of Norfolk and the Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority cleared the blighted area. East Beach is a public-private initiative that includes the city of Norfolk, the Norfolk Redevelopment & Housing Authority and East Beach Co. LLC.
Six years later, with more than 250 families making it home, the community was host to Homearama 2010, featuring nine homes, plus condominiums at The Villas at East Beach.
TBA President Sam Cohen built in the 2004 event and also plans to build a Homearama home this fall. “East Beach has so many attractive characteristics going for it that it has become the address to have in Norfolk,” said Cohen. “Not only was it designed to be one of the premier walking communities on the East Coast, it features amazing attention to detail on the exterior of each one of these houses, the bayfront club where one of the best lots on the site was preserved for the residents to enjoy, and of course, the Chesapeake Bay as your backyard.”

The Homearama site represents the next to last phase of purely residential development being planned in the neighborhood, which is designed as a mixed-use community with commercial amenities in the mix, according to Bart Frye, managing partner for East Beach Company, LLC.

“We were very pleased with the success of the 2010 Homearama and we welcome the opportunity to showcase the bay front district of East Beach,” said Frye. “We also hope to feature scattered coastal style homes throughout the neighborhood to give potential buyers a chance to see a variety of products available in East Beach.”

East Beach is situated on 100 acres along the Chesapeake Bay. The master plan for this $500 million development includes a minimum of 700 residences, neighborhood restaurants, boutique shops, a Bay Front Club, unique parks and public places, as well as business offices.

East Beach Norfolk VA Homerama 2010

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Directions

Directions to East Beach: East Beach is located in Norfolk off of Shore Drive.

From downtown Norfolk and Portsmouth
Take Interstate 264 East.Exit on Interstate 64 West, toward Richmond.
Take the next exit, US Route 13 North, toward the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel
Turn left on Diamond Springs Road; Turn left on Shore Drive (US Route 60 West)
After crossing bridge over Little Creek, East Beach will be on the right.

From Richmond, Newport News, and Hampton – Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel
Take Interstate 64 East through the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel
Take the US-60/4th View St. exit – Exit 273 toward Ocean View
Turn left onto US-60/4th View St.
Turn right onto W. Ocean View Ave/US 60/VA168
Turn Slight right onto US-60 E/W. Ocean View Ave
Stay straight to go onto US-60/ W. Ocean View Ave. Continue to follow US-60
East Beach will be on the left.

From the Virginia Beach Oceanfront
Take Shore Drive (US Route 60 West)
After crossing the bridge over Little Creek, East Beach will be on the right.

Like what you are reading ? Want to receive updates by email in the future ? Sign up here psst … I’m a Realtor! Thanks for stopping by my website. I would love to help you find your dream home and community in the Hampton Roads or Williamsburg area or to sell your existing home. This post was authored by local resident and REALTOR, John Womeldorf. John is known around town as Mr. Williamsburg, for both his extensive knowledge of Hampton Roads and the historic triangle, and his expertise in the local real estate market. His websites, WilliamsburgsRealEstate.com and Mr Williamsburg.com were created as a resource for folks who are exploring a move to Williamsburg, VA , Hampton Roads VA and the surrounding areas of the Virginia Peninsula. On his website you can search homes for sale , foreclosures, 55+ active adult communities, condos and town homes , land and commercial property for sale in Williamsburg, Yorktown, New Kent, Poquoson, and Gloucester, VA as well as surrounding markets of Carrolton, Chesapeake,Gloucester, Hampton, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth Mathews, Newport News Norfolk, Poquoson, Smithfield, , Suffolk, Surry, Va Beach, Yorktown and York County Virginia
You can reach John by email John@MrWilliamsburg.com or phone @ 757-254-8136

Filed under: East Beach, New Home Communities, Norfolk | Tagged: homerama 2012 east beach | Leave a comment »

Homerama Norfolk VA East Beach Starts October 16th 2010

Posted on October 10, 2010 by mrwilliamsburg

With one week to go until Homearama, at East Beach in Norfolk Va the builders, decorators and landscapers are out in force putting their finishing touches on nine custom showcase homes.

The Homerama opens to the public Oct. 16-31, 2010

If you are wondering how the market is for new homes lately glance at the sold signs on ~~six~~ SEVEN of the nine showcase homes. All were sold prior to the Homerama opening.

Visitors to Homerama can tour nine fully furnished and landscaped custom homes, a condominium at The Villas at East Beach and an Idea Marketplace with more than 100 exhibitors.

Sure to inspire you with ideas for your own home, this walk able community is abundant with parks, porches, sidewalks and beach sits on the Chesapeake Bay.

The homes will be open to the public from noon- 9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and until 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

General admission is $10. Active duty and retired military guests and seniors (62 or better) get a $1 discount Monday-Thursday. A $1 discount coupon good for Monday-Thursday will be available at www.homearama.tv. Only one discount applies. No discounts Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Click here for more information on Homearama.

Get the most out of your Homearama visit. In addition to seeing the latest in new-home technology and innovations, visitors to Homearama can enjoy everything from cuisine samplings from Norfolk restaurants and beer tastings to concerts and a early opening for mothers with children.

Bring the family and enjoy an on-site maze, courtesy of Norfolk Botanical Gardens, a Spelling Bee and children’s activities ranging from face painting and more, courtesy of St. Mary’s Home for Disabled Children.

Situated along the Chesapeake Bay in East Ocean View, East Beach was created nearly a decade ago on an 105-acre tract East Beach’s other border to the south is Pretty Lake — an arm of the bay.
Boaters enjoy immediate access to pleasure boat marinas on Little Creek Inlet, which provides easy passage to Chesapeake Bay.

The architectural mood here is “beachy,” with a quintessential New England flavor and houses to match. The Bayfront Club sits on Chesapeake Bay beach, and offers a pool, a weight/cardio room, and a bayfront room for weddings and gatherings.

Like other traditional neighborhoods, East Beach is a haven for pedestrians. Streets are deliberately narrow to slow traffic, allowing residents to walk or cycle safely to nearby parks, the beach, or the deep-water marinas along Pretty Lake. Public parks and greens are everywhere – even along the Chesapeake Bay – so that neighbors can gather and play. Porches are wide to encourage sitting, and close to the street to spark conversations with passersby.

Within a couple of years, East Beach will open a town center with a combination of restaurants and shops. In the meantime, just outside the community but within easy walking distance are four restaurants, a variety of shops, fishing access and several marinas.
With only about 20 percent of the 700 planned residences sold, there are plenty of spots for newcomers to find their niche.

This will be the second Homearama for the Norfolk coastal community, which launched its residential development with the 2004 Homearama showcase.

Since the 2004 showcase, which featured 17 homes, East Beach has grown into an active traditional neighborhood development with more than 230 homes, retails shops, a Montessori School and parks and open spaces for the residents to enjoy. A sprawling 7,000-square-foot Bay Front Club has been built, as well as several amenities for residents to enjoy, including a pool, tennis courts, rose garden and more. Construction is being completed on condominiums with first-floor retail and soon more cottages also will call East Beach home.

View a video of East Beach

Participating in the Fall Homearama will be the following builders: John W. “Chip” Iuliano, ABT Custom Homes; Bill Brice and Les Ore, Bill Ore LLC; Scott Crumley, Crumley Group Inc.; Larry Hill, L.R. Hill Custom Builders Inc., Chris Kanter, North Shore Construction; Jimmy Richardson, Richardson Homes Inc.; Mary-Dolph Simpson, Page Simpson and Howard Simpson, Simpson Builders Inc.; and Stephen, Alex and Steve Quick, Stephen Alexander Homes.

Crumley, a first-time Homearama builder, is building the Charity House. The beneficiary of the profits from the sale of the home will benefit St. Mary’s Home for Disabled Children in Norfolk, a long-term pediatric residential care facility dedicated to children with severe physical and intellectual disabilities

Below is a sampling of the homes that will be featured this year :

Schedule Homerama East Beach

Preview Party, Friday, Oct. 15, from 5:30-8 p.m. Awards ceremony followed by reception and opening of Homearama homes to guests. Proceeds from the evening benefit St. Mary’s Home for Disabled Children. More Information
Artisan sale, Saturday, Oct. 16 and Sunday, Oct. 17, from noon-7 p.m. Purchase handmade jewelry, pottery, purses, driftwood and slate paintings and more from local artisans in the garage of The St. Mary, The Charity House to benefit St. Mary’s Home for Disabled Children. Twenty percent of the proceeds will be donated to St. Mary’s Home.
Lion’s Den Promotion, from 1-3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 17, join Point radio personality Woo Woo as she gives away tickets to The Lion King, a new living room and more.
Military Appreciation Day, on Monday, Oct. 18, military guests can take advantage of buy one, get one free admission with a valid military identification card.
The Wave radio host Dick Lamb will make an appearance on Monday, Oct. 18, from 3-5 p.m.
Listener Appreciation Concert, on Monday, Oct. 18, 6-7 p.m. featuring Colgate Country Showdown Winner Tiffany Jones in the courtyard.
Cox Two-For Tuesdays, Oct. 19 and Oct. 26. Guests with a Cox Communications invoice can buy two tickets for the price of one.
Realtors Day, sponsored by TowneBank, set for Wednesday, Oct. 20, invites area realtors to be admitted free all day long with a business card and ID. Early birds enjoy a hearty breakfast from 9:30-11 a.m.
Craft Beer Tasting, Saturday, Oct. 23, from 3:30-5:30 p.m. at the Charity House with proceeds benefiting St. Mary’s Home for Disabled Children.
Walking tour, Saturday, Oct. 23 with town architect Roger Wood at 1:30 pm. and 4 p.m. Meet at House 10.
Kids-a-Rama, 1-4 p.m. Sundays, Oct. 24 and Oct. 31. Staff from St. Mary’s Home for Disabled Children will host games and activities for children.
Mini-Spelling Bee, Sunday, Oct. 24, at 2 p.m. This spelling bee is open to the first 25 3rd-5th graders who submit an application. Spellers will receive 2 free tickets to Homerama for the 24th and are encouraged to bring their fan club. The Mini-Bee winner will be able to go on assignment with a Virginian-Pilot reporter.
Beer tasting by O’Conner Brewery, Sunday, Oct. 24, from 4-6 p.m. at the Oktoberfest Haus. Join Norfolk brew master Kevin O’Connor of O’Connor Brewery and sample local brews.
A Taste of Norfolk, from 6-8 p.m. Monday, Oct. 25, sponsored by Virginia Natural Gas and Hampton Roads Magazine, invites guests to sample cuisine from Norfolk restaurants and vote for their favorite.
Mother’s Day Out, Tuesday, Oct. 26, gates open early at 10 a.m. to accommodate mothers with school age children.
School Day is Tuesday, Oct. 26, when pre-authorized chaperoned high school and college drafting/design classes can visit the show, with scheduled tours beginning at 11 a.m. Contact Mary Hearring at (757) 305-9018 for details.
Car Care Clinic by Phillips Automotive at noon on Tuesday, Oct. 26. Enjoy a short instructional session on what everyone should know about their cars to keep them running smoothly.
Norfolk Public Schools open house, Wednesday, Oct. 27, from 6-8 p.m. Chat with new superintendent Dr. Richard Bentley as he greets visitors as part of his listening and learning tour. Also enjoy cuisine samplings from Norfolk Public Schools’ student catering group, music from student music groups and a photo and video exhibit, courtesy of Norfolk Public Schools.
The Eagle radio host Jennifer Roberts will make an on-site appearance on Thursday, Oct. 28, from 3-5 p.m.
Face painting, noon-2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 31. Sinclair Communications will be painting children’s’ faces at Kids-Rama in the courtyard.
The Homearama Furniture Sale from noon-6 p.m., Monday, Nov. 1, where visitors will get the chance to purchase their favorite furnishings and décor from the Homearama homes. Free entry tickets for the sale will be given to all Homearama visitors in their show bag during the event.

Location Map for Homerama at East Beach Norfolk VA

Directions

Directions to East Beach: East Beach is located in Norfolk off of Shore Drive.

From the Virginia Beach Oceanfront
Take Shore Drive (US Route 60 West)
After crossing the bridge over Little Creek, East Beach will be on the right.

Filed under: East Beach, New Home Communities, Norfolk | Tagged: homerama 2010 east beach norfolk | Leave a comment »

Fall Homearama 2010 in East Beach Norfolk VA

Posted on January 29, 2010 by mrwilliamsburg

East Beach in Norfolk, Virginia was home to one of the most successful Homearama shows in 2004 (during the height of the new homes market in Hampton Roads.) After surveying many other sites throughout Hampton Roads it has been chosen as the site of the fall 2010 Homearama show.

After weeks of buzz, Tidewater Builders Association has officially announced it will head back to Norfolk’s East Beach coastal community for its Fall 2010 Homearama showcase of homes, set for October.

In 2004, East Beach was host of one of TBA’s most successful Homearamas to date. The neighborhood’s original 16 homes created a streetscape that many at the time likened to a Hollywood movie set. It almost seemed as though there was some Hollywood magic in the air – as everyone associated with the event took great pride in what they had created.

It seemed almost surreal that this upscale streetscape featuring porches, bay front greens, and exquisite architectural detail could have arisen from the dust of an area once best known for its blight.

As such, the event was cause for great celebration from the city’s leaders, who saw validation in their decision to pursue redevelopment there.

It was also a hit with Homearama visitors – at over 110,000 strong, they created a record attendance.

East Beach was among three locations the association was considering.

Situated along the Chesapeake Bay in East Ocean View, East Beach was created nearly a decade ago on an 105-acre tract that was once home to some of Norfolk’s most blighted neighborhoods. East Beach’s other border to the south is Pretty Lake — an arm of the bay.
Boaters enjoy immediate access to pleasure boat marinas on Little Creek Inlet, which provides easy passage to Chesapeake Bay.

Like other traditional neighborhoods, East Beach is a haven for pedestrians. Streets are deliberately narrow to slow traffic, allowing residents to walk or cycle safely to nearby parks, the beach, or the deepwater marinas along Pretty Lake. Public parks and greens are everywhere – even along the Chesapeake Bay – so that neighbors can gather and play. Porches are wide to encourage sitting, and close to the street to spark conversations with passersby.

UPDATE AUGUST 2010: The event will feature 9 homes and one condominium villa. The custom homes range from 2,000 to 3,000 square feet and are priced from $500,000 and up.

Construction crews are working through the near 100-degree temperatures to complete the Fall Homearama homes on time. Tidewater Builders Association’s Fall Homearama will be held at Norfolk’s East Beach community from Oct. 16-31. This will be the second Homearama for the Norfolk coastal community, which launched its residential development with the 2004 Homearama showcase.

Show Hours: The show is open Oct. 16-31, noon until 9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays, and until 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Ticket sales will stop one hour before closing.

Admission:
General admission is $10 for a one-day pass and $17 for a two-day pass. Active duty and retired military guests and seniors (62 or better) get a $2 discount Mon.-Thurs. Only one discount applies. No discounts Fri., Sat. and Sun. Children 12 and under and guests in wheelchairs are free.

Feature Homes:

A Tribute to the Armed Forces, built by Richardson/Viridian Homes, will pay tribute to the men and women who serve in the armed forces.
The Charity House, built by Scott Crumley of Crumley Group, will be sold to benefit St. Mary’s Home for Disabled Children. The home’s interior design was contributed by professionals from the International Interior Designers Association.
The German Sister City House, built by Simpson Builders Inc., will pay tribute to Norfolk’s sister city, Wilhemhaven, Germany.
The Norfolk House, built by Bill Ore LLC, will highlight the host city of Norfolk.
The Idea House, built by Stephen Alexander Homes, features historical styles of the past using modern materials with special emphasis on the kitchen, an outdoor kitchen and a three-season porch as well as a high-tech audiovisual system.

Also:

An exhibit center with more than 150 booths showcasing housing-related products and services.
A full-color glossy Plan Book with information on all of the homes.
A variety of workshops and entertainment are scheduled throughout the event.

Events:

Military Appreciation Day, on Monday, Oct. 18, military guests can take advantage of buy one, get one free admission with a valid military identification card.
Realtors Day, sponsored by TowneBank, set for Wednesday, Oct. 20, invites area realtors to be admitted free all day long with a business card and ID. Early birds enjoy a hearty breakfast from 9:30-11 a.m.
Kids-a-Rama, 1-4 p.m. Sundays, Oct. 24 and Oct. 31. Staff from St. Mary’s Home for Disabled Children will host games and activities for children.
A Taste of Norfolk, from 6-8 p.m. Monday, Oct. 25, sponsored by Virginia Natural Gas and Hampton Roads Magazine, invites guests to sample cuisine from Norfolk restaurants and vote for their favorite.
Mother’s Day Out, Tuesday, Oct. 26, gates open early at 10 a.m. to accommodate mothers with school age children.
School Day is Tuesday, Oct. 26, when pre-authorized chaperoned high school and college drafting/design classes can visit the show, with scheduled tours beginning at 11 a.m. Contact Mary Hearring at (757) 305-9018 for details.
The Homearama Furniture Sale from noon-6 p.m., Monday, Nov. 1, where visitors will get the chance to purchase their favorite furnishings and décor from the Homearama homes. Free entry tickets for the sale will be given to all Homearama visitors in their show bag during the event.

Directions to East Beach: (place link from East Beach Website)
East Beach is located in Norfolk off of Shore Drive

My own preference for a Homerama show would showcase homes from $200k-$250k. When are we going to make housing affordable ? What about “Green Building ? “ Lets see who can build the most efficient home with the lowest net utility cost. Last years show at Culpepper Landing was a huge hit with its price range. I was just in Richmond VA ( Chesterfield ) and was amazed at the features and style that builders were able to offer in the low $200’s price range.

OK, that’s it for my rant for now.

East Beach at a Glance
Size: 100 acres
Designer: Duany Plater-Zyberk & Company
Developer: East Beach Company, LLC (East Beach Renaissance, The Leyland Alliance)
Groundbreaking: 2000
Current home, condo and town home prices in East Beach range form $300,000 to $2,950,000

As of Jan 2010, homes sales prices in East Beach Norfolk VA ranged from $308k to $983k. Click here for the current Sold Homes Report for East Beach Norfolk, VA

SEARCH ALL HOMES FOR SALE IN EAST BEACH NORFOLK VA ( REIN)

Search homes for sale in Hampton Roads VA

click for a location map of East Beach Norfolk, VA in a larger map

If you are a vendor wanting to exhibit at the East Beach Homerama show contact TBA here

This post was authored by local resident and REALTOR, John Womeldorf. John is known around town as Mr. Williamsburg, for both his extensive knowledge of Hampton Roads and the historic triangle, and his expertise in the local real estate market. His websites, www.WilliamsburgsRealEstate.com and www.MrWilliamsburg.com, were created as a comprehensive resource about living in Williamsburg and Hampton Roads, with the hopes of selling a house now and again. You can reach him at 757.254.8136 or John@MrWilliamsburg.com.

Filed under: East Beach, New Home Communities, Norfolk | Leave a comment »

Mr Williamsburg, Revolutionary ideas on real estate!Hampton Roads Virginia

Sales are picking up at East Beach in Norfolk

Homearama returns to Norfolk’s East Beach neighborhood

Homerama Norfolk VA East Beach Starts October 16th 2010

Fall Homearama 2010 in East Beach Norfolk VA

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Mr Williamsburg, Revolutionary ideas on real estate!Hampton Roads Virginia

Sales are picking up at East Beach in Norfolk

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Homearama returns to Norfolk’s East Beach neighborhood

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Homerama Norfolk VA East Beach Starts October 16th 2010

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Fall Homearama 2010 in East Beach Norfolk VA

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