NORFOLK, Va. (WVEC) — Demolition of Greenies Bar and Grille in Ocean View officially began Monday.
The bar closed in September after the City of Norfolk bought the property, along with several other Ocean Ave. properties, for $2.3 million.
“People are really going to miss it,” said patron Robert Martin. “This used to be their favorite place to hang out and sit on the water and get the views of the ships coming in and out and the beach activities that go on here.”
Martin moved to Norfolk in 1977 when he enlisted in the Navy. He said he quickly learned Greenies was incredibly popular.
“It’s just a magnet,” said Martin. “It brings us the beach in Oceanview. It’s one of the few places that people could gather.”
A handful of locals stopped by throughout the day to watch the demolition unfold. They said the city was losing what they call a “historical landmark.” Greenies opened more than 80 years ago.
“It was such an icon of Oceanview,” said patron Hannelore Thompson. “I really enjoyed it. Now Oceanview have nothing really to go to anymore. You know, that was it!
City officials said the property will be turned into a public access point for the beach. They also added they will explore redevelopment options in 2019 with community input.
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