Community // arts & entertainment

The NorVa

The NorVA project is an adaptive reuse/renovation of a circa 1913 building into an intimate concert hall reminiscent of a turn-of-the-century warehouse, a nightclub and restaurant, and administrative offices. This Norfolk, Virginia, facility was originally built as a vaudeville theater and movie house and was converted into an athletic facility in the 1970s when most of the interior of the old theater was demolished.

Abandoned for many years, the building was purchased in 1999 with plans to convert the run-down building into an upbeat music venue. With exposed brick walls, wood floors and balconies where concert-goers can catch national acts, the NorVa continues to attract big-name artists and strong local followings.