I've been coming to Norfolk, VA for the better part of three decades. For me, one of the landmarks of the area was a major crossroads, 'Wards Corner'.
At the junction of East Little Creek Road and Granby Street, it consists of two sizeable tracts of strip-malls on the north-east and south-east corners.
While the latter has been announced as the location of a new upscale chain development (Harris Teeter, if anyone's interested), it's the former that's always enchanted me.
Midtown Shopping Center opened in 1947, some eight years earlier than Hamilton's Center Mall. Here's a slideshow. This provides great context: at the time it was known as 'Times Square of The South'.
There used to be a mainstay restaurant there. 'Uncle Louie's'. 'Open All Night', the sign still says; it was closed a few years ago.
Here's a Google Maps view of this portion of the Center.
And these days?
Here's a progression of articles explaining the redevelopment history of the Midtown Shopping Center. I think there are some parallels to Hamilton, and maybe some lessons to learn there, too.
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I'm always interested in feedback, differing opinions, even contrarian blasts...as long as they're delivered with decorum...with panache and flair always helping.