A transformational project for a flood-prone neighborhood in Norfolk, VA, this 23-acre park daylights the historic Newton’s Creek, providing flood resilience and community spaces through multi-benefit infrastructure.
Weaving through a housing redevelopment in the heart of Norfolk, St. Paul’s Blue/Greenway treats and stores stormwater runoff while doubling as a community park. A key component of the HUD Choice Neighborhoods Initiative development, the Blue/Greenway improves resilience for the neighborhood, considering long-term outlooks on storm events and sea level rise. The project vision returns the site to its pre-development function as a creek inlet. Natural systems manage water to reduce flooding, while creating open spaces for the community.
In January 2018, the City undertook the preparation of a revitalization plan for the St. Paul’s area as part of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Choice Neighborhoods Initiative (CNI) and developed a visionary master plan to improve: flood resiliency, safety, housing, availability, and diversity. The Blue/Greenway serves in the aspect of flood resiliency in that it aims to significantly reduce the effects of flooding for the residents of this area while providing a green space for recreation. With these issues addressed, the space has the opportunity to become an essential part of a large transformational improvement of this neighborhood adjacent to Norfolk’s downtown business district.
Making room to store water in the landscape is a guiding principle of the project. The main channel replaces an existing underground culvert, substantially increasing the capacity to store stormwater during high tide events. Green infrastructure complements conventional, gray infrastructure while also improving water quality. Wet ponds and constructed wetlands also remove pollutants from the upland redevelopment area.
The Blue/Greenway creates a range of resilience benefits and opportunities, far exceeding a single purpose water management project. Over 1.6 million cubic feet of water storage from runoff upland can be provided, reducing flooding upstream. Pollutants from stormwater runoff will be significantly reduced prior to discharge into the Elizabeth River. Due to their ecological and aesthetic value, as well as contribution to neighborhood character, existing mature trees will be preserved.
Together, the Blue/Greenway demonstrates best practices in urban water management that can be replicated across Norfolk and Hampton Roads.
Client
City of Norfolk, Virginia
Year
2019 – 2025
Project Area
23 acres
Team
Moffatt & Nichol, SG&A, WSSI, SM&F, AEC