A Neighborhood Steeped in History
Nestled in the heart of Norfolk, the Highland Park neighborhood is a testament to the city’s vibrant heritage and enduring sense of community. Over the decades, Highland Park has weathered the winds of change while maintaining its signature charm, making it a beloved enclave for residents old and new. From its beginnings at the turn of the 20th century to its present-day revitalization, Highland Park stands as a living chronicle of Norfolk’s growth and resilience.
Origins: From Farmland to Friendly Streets
The story of Highland Park begins in the late 1800s, when Norfolk was rapidly expanding beyond its bustling downtown. Developers set their sights north of the city, attracted by rolling fields and wooded land situated near what would later become Granby Street and 38th Street. At the time, the area was dotted with farms and loosely connected by dirt roads leading toward the Elizabeth River.
The name “Highland Park” was inspired by the neighborhood’s slightly elevated terrain compared to the surrounding lowlands, as well as the lush, park-like setting created by its mature oaks, magnolias, and crepe myrtles. Early promotional brochures advertised Highland Park as a “picturesque suburb,” enticing families seeking healthy air and a retreat from the denser city proper.
Growth and Development: Laying the Foundations
By the early 1900s, Highland Park was officially platted, and development unfolded along a grid of tree-lined avenues such as Newport Avenue, Harrington Avenue, and Kenilworth Street. The arrival of the streetcar along Granby Street, connecting downtown Norfolk to Ocean View, fueled a building boom. Many of the charming homes from this era — including Craftsman bungalows, American Foursquares, and Colonial Revivals — still line Highland Park’s peaceful streets today, their broad porches echoing the neighborhood’s hospitable spirit.
During these decades, Highland Park became a solid middle-class enclave. A blend of tradespeople, teachers, military families, and business owners gave the neighborhood its diverse, welcoming character. Churches and civic organizations quickly took root, with Highland Park United Methodist Church on Willard Avenue emerging as an early spiritual and social focal point.
Milestones and Notable Landmarks
Highland Park’s story is written not only in its homes but also in its gathering places and institutions:
- Lafayette Park: Established in 1892 just to the east of Highland Park, Lafayette Park is Norfolk’s oldest public park and a treasured green space for generations. The park remains a favorite for picnics, outdoor concerts, and weekend strolls.
- Granby High School: Situated just north of the neighborhood, Granby High opened in 1939 and quickly became an anchor for the community. Its athletic fields and storied Blue Comet marching band have brought Highland Park neighbors together for more than 80 years.
- Historic Homes and Corner Stores: Many of the original two-story houses along 37th, 38th, and 39th Streets retain their period details—ornate woodwork, stained glass, and lovingly restored front porches. Early 20th-century corner stores (some now private homes or local businesses) stand as reminders of a time when shopping was a walk around the block.
Navigating Change: Mid-20th Century and Beyond
The postwar era brought significant shifts to Highland Park. Suburbanization lured some families further afield, but many stayed, invigorating the neighborhood with fresh energy and new traditions. The military’s presence in Norfolk continued to draw newcomers—service members and their families infused Highland Park with stories and customs from across the country.
The late 20th century presented challenges, as did many older urban neighborhoods: economic ebb and flow, a need for housing upkeep, and changing demographics. Yet through it all, Highland Park’s sense of solidarity never wavered. Neighbors old and new pitched in to maintain yards, support local schools like Suburban Park Elementary, and organize block parties that have become a beloved summertime staple.
Today: A Vibrant, Welcoming Community
Highland Park has come full circle in the 21st century. With renewed interest in urban living, young professionals and families are discovering the neighborhood’s blend of affordability, historic architecture, and walkable streets. Community associations are active, spearheading beautification efforts and championing public safety.
The neighborhood’s proximity to major destinations—like the Virginia Zoo, the Hermitage Museum and Gardens, and Norfolk’s vibrant NARO Theater—makes it a convenient launching pad for adventures across the city. Inside the neighborhood, green spaces and hidden pocket parks provide a sense of retreat, while annual events like porch tours and holiday parades foster a strong sense of belonging.
Streets With Stories
To walk Highland Park’s streets is to stroll through history:
- *Newport Avenue* buzzes with life, tracing the neighborhood’s western edge beneath a canopy of century-old trees.
- *Harrington Avenue* and *Kenilworth Avenue* are home to lovingly maintained houses, often with friendly neighbors on their porches willing to share a wave or a story.
- *Lafayette Park* beckons joggers, dog-walkers, and families, serving as a green refuge just steps from home.
Why Highland Park Still Matters
Ask longtime residents what makes Highland Park special, and you’ll likely hear about more than architecture or location. It’s the warmth of community picnics at the park, the shared pride in a freshly restored bungalow, the way neighbors rally for one another in tough times, and the joy of children biking down the same streets their grandparents once did. Highland Park’s heritage is a living, breathing part of Norfolk—a neighborhood that honors its past, embraces the present, and looks forward to a bright future.
Whether you’re soaking up the shade of towering oaks, chatting with neighbors on an evening walk, or exploring a corner with local history at every turn, Highland Park welcomes you. Here, the story continues—one family, one home, and one block at a time.