Ghent district
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The Ghent suburb of Norfolk, Virginia, began its development in 1890 with most construction occurring between 1892 and 1907. The developers retained the farmstead's name of Ghent because of its historic and romantic European associations. Though no architectural controls existed at this early date, many builders picked designs thought to be suggestive of European architecture. Architects of Ghent's Queen Anne houses undoubtedly took inspiration from drawings by the English architect Richard Norman Shaw, reproduced in popular architectural publications. Further attempts to solidify ties between Ghent, Norfolk, and its European namesake occurred in 1897 when the western arm of Smith's Creek was christened "The Hague." Ceremonies at the renaming celebrations paid honor to the Dutch roots of the Norfolk Company (i.e., Boissevain). Even as late as 1911, promoters sought parallels between Ghent and European prototypes.
Mowbray Arch presented the most romantic view of Ghent at the turn of the century, embodying the suburb's most appealing characteristics of water, greenery, and European-inspired architecture.
--- The above information is taken from the Ghent National Register Nomination form.
Ghent was settled in the late 19th to early 20th century. The area went into steep decline in the years following WW II (especially East Ghent) and was the focus of a very concentrated and successful gentrification effort that continues to this day. As a result, the area is one of the most economically diverse in Norfolk with large turn-of-the century apartment communities, next to rows of cozy bungalows, side by side with newly developed condominiums. In the past five years, many former apartment buildings have been redevopled into condo units at a rapid pace. Much of what was East Ghent (which was predominantly an African-American area) was torn down and rebuilt (including roads) so that little of the original buildings remain. The main exceptions are Maury High School and the Van Wyck branch of the Norfolk Public Library.
The Ghent District includes the various Ghent neighborhoods (Ghent, West Ghent, East Ghent) in Norfolk, Virginia. Its boundaries are roughly Brambleton Avenue/The Hague on the south, the Elizabeth River on west, Monticello Avenue on the east and the railroad crossing immediately north of 22nd Street. The area continues to spread eastward with newer developments (Bristol at Ghent). The main north/south thoroughfares are Hampton Blvd, Colley Avenue, Colonial Avenue, Llewellyn Avenue, Granby Street, and Monticello Avenue. The main east/west thoroughfares are Princess Anne Road, 20th Street and 21st Street. Brambleton Avenue acts as a connector from Ghent to Downtown and crosses the southern tip of Ghent briefly.
Ghent's commercial district is known for unique shops, restaurants, the Naro Theater (which screens foreign and independent films) and Doumar's Ice Cream, known for having the worlds first ice cream cone machine. The commercial district is predominantly centered on Colley Avenue, Monticello Avenue (more fast-food establishments are on this street, as it is the transition area between Ghent and an industrial area to the east), and 20th, 21st and 22nd Streets. There are many other businesses tucked into side streets leading from the main streets in Ghent as well.
During the 1980's, Ghent was the center of a strong and active artistic community that was characterized by esoteric alternative music and renovation of warehouses into art studios and lofts. Ghent continues to attract a bohemian influence, supporting local bands and alternative services, and bringing together elements of ska, punk, beatnik, and dub communities.
Local historical attractions include the Chrysler Museum of Art, the Harrison Opera House, and the Freemason Abbey.
