Neighborhood Profile: The Landings at Bolling Square, Norfolk

By Sandra J. Pennecke
Correspondent

Harold and Marty Ash no longer desired a four-bedroom split-level house in Alexandria and the upkeep that went with it once their sons were grown.

"We didn't need the space, stairs and lawn care anymore," Harold Ash, 80, said of his home of 19 years.

Added wife Marty, 67, "There was no reason to be in Northern Virginia any longer."

The couple was already acquainted with Norfolk after driving their son back and forth to Old Dominion University for years and knew Hampton Roads was where they wanted to be.

In October 2007, the couple moved into a condominium at The Landings at Bolling Square, just blocks from the university, and couldn't be happier.

Their single-level, two-bedroom model - with a 20-by-20-foot great room, about 2,000 square feet and a balcony overlooking the Lafayette River, suits all of their needs.

"We're close to church, the grocery store, cultural events, the airport and the Outer Banks, where we rent a house each summer," said Marty, a retired nurse.

Collins Enterprises LLC developed the property in 2004 on land that formerly housed Bolling Square Apartments, a community popular with students and young couples in the 1950s and '60s.

The Landings at Bolling Square features 28 one-, two- or three-bedroom condominiums and 46 three-story townhomes with attached two-car garages. Rounding out the community is a clubhouse with kitchen, fitness center, outdoor swimming pool and a river walk promenade.

Headquartered in Stamford, Conn., Collins re-creates communities in established neighborhoods close to work and play. The company's most recent endeavors in Norfolk include The Heritage at Freemason Harbour, PierPointe, RiverPark and 388 Boush St.

Builders W.M. Jordan Co. and Clancy & Theys Construction Co. built the The Landings at Bolling Square in Larchmont, an older Norfolk neighborhood.

Mike Barowich moved into a townhome in The Landings at Bolling Square three years ago, citing its location and convenience.

"I wanted to be back in town," said Barowich, who came from a single-family home in Deep Creek.

Barowich found an improved quality of life.

"Now I have more of a day on both sides" he said. "I am closer to work, downtown and everything, and my neighbors are my friends. I love it here."

Sandra J. Pennecke, pennecke@cox.net