ACROSS THE COUNTRY, Americans are migrating back to cities and urban centers seeking an alternative to suburban living that offers a more fulfilling lifestyle and diverse community.  According to a Brookings Institute survey of 2000 census data, the median growth rate for cities in the 1990s was 8.7 percent, or more than double the median growth rate of the 1980s.  As larger cities look for ways to respond to this growth, smaller metropolitan areas, such as Norfolk, are outlining ambitious visions to attract new residents and retain existing city dwellers.  Norfolk is leading the way with a vision and plan that will serve as a national model for urban revitalization.  That vision is Broad Creek Renaissance.

An initiative of the City of Norfolk and the NRHA, the Broad Creek Renaissance is one of the largest redevelopment project in history.  It represents an almost $200 million project reflecting a mix of public and private funding including a $35 million Hope VI grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development . The expected completion date is 2006.

Broad Creek Renaissance encompasses two square miles and 14 neighborhoods bound by railroad tracks to the north, east and west, and the Norfolk Industrial Park and Elizabeth River to the south.  When completed, it will offer a well-designed, well-constructed community with amenities including a new YMCA, a library, walking and biking trails, a swimming pool and green open-spaces for community gatherings.

"We want to attract young professionals, couples and families, as well as empty nesters and retirees, looking for a diverse and contemporary urban experience," said Ernest Freeman, NRHA's executive director.  "Our success will serve as a national model for urban revitalization."

For residents looking for modern housing stock in an urban setting, Broad Creek offers contemporary designs with larger master suites, smaller yards and open floor plans.  Broad Creek also will offer close proximity to schools, shops, restaurants as well as arts and cultural institutions.  Potential home owners and renters will find quality options at affordable prices.

"This is an exciting initiative for Norfolk that will celebrate our diversity - diversity of income, background, culture, age and, in this instance, architecture," said City Councilwoman Daun S. Hester. " The City and NRHA are committed to this urban revitalization effort and have brought together the right partners that will make this a success."

The centerpiece of the project includes the revitalization of the Roberts Village and Bowling Green communities.  These neighborhoods will be rebuilt and replaced with mixed-income housing.  NRHA has been holding public meetings to keep residents informed of recent developments and information related to the upcoming relocation.  Construction is expected to begin this spring.

The City and NRHA have a grand vision of a cohesive, mixed-income community tied together by cultural and recreational amenities, new and redeveloped housing and a community-based support system.

"One of the key initiatives is human development that focuses on improving the quality of life for our citizens," said Robert Jenkins, Deputy Executive Director. "This self-sufficiency approach will ensure that residents who need assistance can graduate from high school, find and keep their jobs, maintain a continuous stream of income and become home owners."

With Broad Creek Renaissance, Norfolk will position itself once again among the leaders in urban revitalization and development.  This is the vision behind Broad Creek Renaissance.  The promise is one of transformation from isolation to integration, from a physically challenged environment to community asset and from economic dependence to self-sufficiency.