Like many resort towns, Virginia Beach grew over the years with little regard for future aesthetics. Once appropriate narrow sidewalks and gaudy neon signs?EUR??,,????'??+along with a growing chaos of overhead utility cables?EUR??,,????'??+had slowly transformed the city?EUR??,,????'???s resort and restaurant district into a cluttered, unsightly setting for visiting tourists.

As the importance of tourism dollars became more apparent, civic and business leaders knew a major beautification project for the resort area was necessary.

Established by the Virginia Beach City council, the Area Advisory Commission set into motion a sweeping renovation project that will soon culminate in a complete overhaul of the city?EUR??,,????'???s vital 42-block section of Atlantic Avenue.

The city started by removing all of the overhead cables from the area and encroaching signs over the sidewalks. The sidewalks themselves were widened by eliminating a lane of traffic, typically an unconventional technique for an urban setting. Most road projects focus on accommodating more motorists. However, removing a lane of traffic was done specifically to produce a more pedestrian-oriented and aesthetically-pleasing area.

The project?EUR??,,????'???s finished blueprint incorporates wider sidewalks, colorful concrete pavers, teak benches, ornamental trash receptacles and pedestrian lamp posts to produce a brighter and cleaner visual impact for strolling tourists. Bike paths, grassy parks and a coordinated graphics scheme complete the landscape design.

Due to the marine environment, fiberglass lamp posts were selected over traditional cast-iron and concrete to avoid corrosion damage common to these materials. Fiberglass provided the most cost effective choice as well as many other benefits such as ease of replacement. In contrast to concrete and castiron?EUR??,,????'??+which both require heavy equipment to lift?EUR??,,????'??+the fiberglass posts are light enough for two-person crews to manage.

As a safeguard, the posts are being set on concrete foundations, providingg a nice effect in conjunction with the decorative concrete pavers. The pavers reach up to the foundation that is completely covered by the unique decorative slip-over base cover, making the lamp post appear to be sitting directly on the pavers.

Low maintenance was also a factor in the city?EUR??,,????'???s decision to use fiberglass. ?EUR??,,????'??People chain their bikes to the posts and bump into them all the time,?EUR??,,????'?? explained Clay Massey of HDR Engineering in Virginia Beach. ?EUR??,,????'??Because the fiberglass posts are integrally colored, they don?EUR??,,????'???t chip or require any kind of maintenance. This will prove to be a great cost saving when installing the 400 poles that have been ordered.?EUR??,,????'?? Project engineers at HDR selected the Washington Series 405 post manufactured by W.J. Whatley of Commerce City, Colorado.

The total estimate cost of the streetscape and boardwalk project is $44.5 million, generated through an additional .05 percent restaurant and hotel tax. This direct commitment also serves as an incentive for business owners to do renovations of their own. Businesses are using the off-season as an opportunity to make improvements that beautify not only the streetscape, but building facades as well.

Boardwalk surveys taken each year indicate that visitors to Virginia Beach are impressed with the beautification efforts. The city has received very positive feedback and occupancy rates at hotels have increased in the past few years.

?EUR??,,????'??A lot of people that haven?EUR??,,????'???t been here for a while are hearing that it has really changed for the better,?EUR??,,????'?? said Hudome. ?EUR??,,????'??It?EUR??,,????'???s nice to know that our efforts are really making a difference.?EUR??,,????'??

Modern design and materials have gone a long way in helping Virginia Beach upgrade its look for a clean, family feel to attract today?EUR??,,????'???s new breed of discriminating tourists.