The scene was a far cry from the days when rowdy sailors partied in the same downtown. Turning on the lights hasn't been easy. It has meant battles against perception and crime. It has taken vision and hope. There are signs of success.
Work remains, leaders and downtown supporters say.
And what has been great for the downtown district hasn't helped everyone. Some retailers in other parts of the city, like Ghent, claim MacArthur mall has hurt their business. Norfolk leaders say eventually the entire city will profit. And with celebrations, like the St. Patrick's Day revelry, Norfolk's old image is becoming a distant memory. At about 7 on a Friday night, Kathy Edwards and about 20 friends barhop on Granby Street.