Norfolk Green Sites Studio Projects
Norfolk Green Sites Studio Projects
Graduate students from the University of Virginia’s Green Cities/Green Sites course focused on various locations in Norfolk, exploring ways to improve urban stormwater management tailored to the local environment.
Project areas included Norfolk’s Neon District, Kentucky Avenue, Ingleside Elementary School, Barraud Park, and Willard Model School.
The Neon District, Norfolk
Faced with the challenges of sea level rise and frequent flooding, a team of graduate students from the University of Virginia focused on Norfolk's NEON District, an arts hub in the Elizabeth River Watershed. The area is highly impervious, prone to flooding, and lacks green spaces, making it a critical site for stormwater management.
The team identified key public spaces, such as The Plot, the Cofer Lot, and Wilson Avenue, and proposed solutions to reduce impervious surfaces, improve stormwater storage, increase vegetation and tree canopy, and foster community interaction, all while preserving the district's creative character.
Report
“Stormwater Management in the Neon District” (2018)
Kentucky Avenue, Norfolk
The Kentucky Avenue site in Norfolk, VA, located within the Broad Creek Watershed, faces significant challenges related to stormwater management, invasive species, and underutilized public spaces. The area suffers from excessive runoff due to impervious surfaces, untreated water discharge into the nearby Elizabeth River tributary, and minimal access to the water.
To address these issues, a series of low-impact development solutions were proposed, including the installation of porous pavers for parking, an expanded riparian buffer with native plants, and increased tree canopy for stormwater absorption. Additionally, a boardwalk and kayak launch were recommended to enhance public access to the water while protecting sensitive habitats. These interventions aim to improve stormwater management, enhance community interaction, and mitigate pollution, making the site more resilient to climate change.
Reports & Presentations
“Kentucky Avenue Master Report” (2018)
“Kentucky Avenue Presentation” (2018)
Ingleside Elementary School, Norfolk
The redesign proposal for Ingleside Elementary School in Norfolk, VA, aims to address significant stormwater management and infrastructure issues on the school’s grounds. Located in the Broad Creek Watershed, the site suffers from poor water infiltration, outdated playground equipment, and ineffective stormwater infrastructure that creates safety hazards.
The proposal includes solutions such as bioswales, rain gardens, permeable pavement, and the addition of new playground equipment and an outdoor classroom. These improvements not only aim to reduce stormwater runoff and enhance water filtration but also provide an educational and functional outdoor space for students and the surrounding community.
Reports & Presentations
“Ingleside Elementary School Proposal” (2018)
“Ingleside Elementary School Presentation” (2018)
Proposed solutions include stream daylighting, the installation of a larger floating dock, structured pavement to reduce impervious surfaces, and the creation of butterfly gardens to improve ecological diversity. These interventions aim to reduce pollution, improve park usability, and strengthen cultural connections within the Norfolk community.
Reports & Presentations
“Barraud Park Stormwater Mitigation Project” (2018)
Barraud Park, Norfolk
The Barraud Park Stormwater Mitigation Project seeks to address persistent water management and accessibility challenges within the park, particularly issues related to standing water, stormwater runoff, and limited public access to the Lafayette River. The project team identified several key areas for improvement, including enhancing stormwater infrastructure, increasing green spaces, and expanding access to the riverfront.
“Barraud Park Stormwater Mitigation Presentation” (2018)
Willard Model School, Norfolk
The Francis E. Willard Model Elementary School retrofit project focuses on addressing the significant stormwater management issues in the school's eastern parking lot. Spanning 0.72 acres of asphalt, the parking lot suffers from cracked pavement and standing water due to poor drainage, leading to an estimated 1 million gallons of annual runoff carrying pollutants into nearby wetlands.
With inadequate green infrastructure, the site exacerbates stormwater runoff and contributes to the urban heat island effect. The proposed retrofit aims to solve these problems using low-impact development (LID) strategies such as porous asphalt, bioswales, and a rain garden. These technologies will reduce impervious surfaces, improve water absorption, filter pollutants, and create an educational opportunity for students to learn about sustainable stormwater management.
Report:
“Stormwater Retrofit Plan: Willard Model School” (2018)
