history
Ghent was developed in the late 19th century as an early suburb connected to downtown by streetcars. The land was developed for single-family homes with lots of green space and waterfront areas.
During and after World War II, there was a housing shortage. A lot of the old homes were subdivided into rental properties. As a result, the area soon filled with poorly maintained boarding houses and apartments that led to health and sanitary issues caused by overcrowded living conditions and irresponsible landlords.
The Norfolk Housing Authority eventually razed the 65 acres of land and redeveloped it as Ghent Square.
The Urban Land Institute | Washington, DC | 1979
"A neighborhood concept recognized by the Urban Land Institute in 1979 for excellence in planning, design, construction and marketing, and for the innovative approach it represents for inner-city housing choices in Norfolk."
Project Type: A 65-acre middle- to upper-income neighborhood in large redevelopment area near downtown Norfolk. New townhouses, carriage houses, and detached single-family homes are being built by private developers on land cleared and improved by the Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority.
location
Ghent is one of the most popular and eclectic places to live and visit in Norfolk. It’s known for its restaurants, boutiques, and historic architecture. Living in Ghent Square puts you right in the heart of it.
Recreational offerings are plentiful and within walking distance, including numerous restaurants, breweries, gyms, antique shops, specialty shops, the Naro Cinema, YMCA, Chrysler Museum, Virginia Opera House, and MacArthur Center Mall – everything you may need is only 5-10 minutes away on foot.
Residents
Due to the urban location near downtown Norfolk, VA, we have a wide variety of residents ranging from young families, EVMS students medical personnel, military service members, retirees, etc. It’s an ideal location to raise a family, enjoy the single life, and spend leisure time with friends and family.
Fred Heutte Center
Owned by the city of Norfolk, the Fred Heutte Center is a garden located right in the middle of Ghent Square It was one of the first buildings relocated to the neighborhood when it was being developed. Anyone is welcome to take a stroll through the gardens, take a class at the center, or rent the facility for an event.
norfolk City Guide
Norfolk’s got a lot to see and do. The entertainment opportunities to have fun are endless. Whether you’re a resident or new to the area, discover new diversions by perusing Norfolk’s City Guide. It’s the best designed guide out there.
