Neighbors still remember how the metal beams supporting the American Cigar Company blocked traffic on Princess Anne Road while the building slowly fell apart.
The historic building is gone now, demolished in 2017, but a development company is planning to build a new apartment complex on the land of the former American Cigar Company.
Developers with S.L. Nusbaum Realty Co. said they've designed a building that pays tribute to the land's former tenant, copying the arched window style and the brickwork along the top of the building. The apartment complex would have about 118 rooms, developers said.
"It's hard to find open development sites like this one in the City of Norfolk," said Richard Counselman, Vice President of Multifamily Development for S.L. Nusbaum. "This is not an easy thing to do."
The plans need to be approved by the City of Norfolk. Both the architectural review board and city council will review the plans later this month.
Neighbors said they want something positive to fill the space of the demolished historic building. The American Cigar Company was on the National Register of Historic Places before its destruction.
Dennis Hodnett said he is worried about traffic and a potential lack of space.
"I think it's going to be quite congested," Hodnett said.
"We have a small street here with only so much land, you know parking is going to be a problem."
Counselman said he believes the development will inspire investment in the surrounding area and neighborhood. He compared the project's design to that of the St. Paul's Apartments being developed by S.L Nusbaum.
Counselman said his company still needs to acquire the land but he expects that process to go smoothly. Pending government approval, he estimated that construction of the 'American Cigar Apartments' could begin by spring of 2020.