News-Record.com

Two weeks ago I shared visions of morning runs in downtown Norfolk, Va., where residential development along the Elizabeth River is only one of several dramatic signs of new life.

Townhouses and high-rises sprout along the riverfront, while a new center-city mall anchored by a Nordstrom's department store is doing well. Plans call for even more urban plums, including a new 20-story corporate headquarters, a 15-story building containing shops, offices, condos and Norfolk's first downtown grocery store; plus two more towers of 15 and 20 stories that will split 400 condos between them.

And, oh yes, there's a ballpark, too, the home field of the Triple-A Norfolk Tides, with a view of passing ships beyond the outfield wall.

Having spent summers as a youth in nearby Portsmouth, I remember a much rowdier, sleazier place where a sailor didn't have to travel far to find a good time, or trouble, or both.

Similarly taken with downtown Norfolk's elegant makeover, the News & Observer of Raleigh (registration required) recently sent a reporter to Hampton Roads to explore Norfolk's success.

Interesting stuff ... and perhaps a lesson or two for Greensboro.