Chesterfield Heights, Norfolk, VA 23504
Chesterfield Heights is a small, cohesive residential neighborhood located along the Eastern Branch of the Elizabeth River in Norfolk, Virginia. The river distinctly forms the southern boundary of the neighborhood, while the Ohio Creek tributary marks the western edge. The borders are further delineated by the streetscape, with Ballentine Boulevard (originally Merrimac Street) forming the eastern edge and Interstate-264 (originally the path of Highland Avenue) defining the northern edge. The boundaries of the residential neighborhood currently occupy approximately 85 of the original 130 acres conceived by the Chesterfield Heights Corporation in 1904. The original suburb was platted westward to Fifth Street, now Filer Street, which was the eastern boundary for the late-19"-century development of Riverside. Riverside was originally improved with a number of vemacular, Queen Anne, and Colonial Revival dwellings by 1900. Although originally developed earlier than Chesterfield Heights, Riverside was enveloped in the community by 1920. Developed during the first quarter of the 20th century, Chesterfield Heights emerged as a suburban community, just to the northeast of the growing downtown area of Norfolk. The neighborhood, originally aimed at catering to upper class patrons, developed with large single-family dwellings along the Eastern Branch of the Elizabeth River, exhibiting revival and American movement-era styles and forms. The flat tract was landscaped with tree-lined streets, a waterfront park, and a system of roads laid in a slightly irregular grid pattern. The domestic buildings are buffered from the paved public streets by sidewalks and a grassy strip planted with mature shade trees, primarily consisting of large crepe myrtles. Although over seventy dwellings were constructed in Riverside by 1910, the initial development of Chesterfield Heights constituted roughly thirty dwellings, primarily located along Chesterfield Boulevard and Marlboro Avenue between the years 1904-1914. Of those initial buildings, twenty-two remain in the original Riverside area and twenty-three remain within the original Chesterfield Heights boundaries. Construction was accelerated, however, as the World War I began a trend of housing needs. This created a second phase of development, spurred by the influx of middle-class professional residents, with over 247 buildings constructed between 191 5 and 1950. Today, Chesterfield Heights is defined by a variety of architectural styles and building types, though primarily domestic. The houses range from the late-19"' and early-20"-century vemacular, Queen Anne, and Colonial Revival dwellings of Riverside and Chesterfield Heights to the infill housing of the late 20" century. The early-to-mid-20th-century buildings often exhibit vemacular, less detailed interpretations of the more elaborate styles erected decades earlier.*
Chesterfield Heights was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2003.
The Chesterfield Heights neighborhood is close to all conveniences with quick access to 264 Expressway and the TIDE Light Rail. Close proximity to over 50 top notch restaurants, including the Jewish Mother, Freemason Abbey, Todd Jurich’s Bistro, and the list goes on and on and on.
Scope Arena, Harbor Park, Harrison Opera House, Chrysler Hall, Chrysler Museum, Attucks Theater, and the NORVA are all close!
You can get to Granby Street, Portsmouth or Chesapeake in minutes, For Military, you are close to NOB Norfolk or Norfolk Naval Shipyard. Colleges? NSU is right there! Short commute to TCC Norfolk or Portsmouth or ODU.
The Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, EVMS, and Bon Secours Hospital; for all your medical needs are close by as well.
Shopping needs are about four miles in any direction, including MacArthur Mall, Farm Fresh, Harris Teeter, Shop-N-Go, Family Dollar, Bottom Dollar, and Waterside.
Local churches include: Baptist, Methodist, Episcopal, Presbyterian, Unitarian, AME, Catholic, Synagogue, etc. some have been established close to 100 years at their present locations.
The Chesterfield Heights neighborhood has a diverse mix of residents; retirees, families with kids, professionals, singles, and empty-nesters.
Bart Folta
January 2012
757-739-5466
Exit Realty Professionals
900 Laskin Road
Virginia Beach, VA 23451
