DONOR SPOTLIGHT: Work Program Architects
Your name: Mel Price
Your position: Principal
Company name: WPA
Website: wparch.com
Phone Number: (757) 472-9342
Business address: 400 Granby Street, Suite 301 | Norfolk, VA 23510
Industry: Architecture, Urban Design, Interior Design, Graphic Design
Describe what the company you work for does and what your position entails:
WPA is an architecture, urban design, interior design, and graphic design firm that strengthens community through a collaborative design process.
What is your personal connection to the Elizabeth River Trail?
I am one of the founding board members of the Elizabeth River Trail Foundation and I lead the Master Planning Committee. I fell in love with the ERT while walking my dogs and riding my bike, and I’m so proud that over half of our company, and many of my family and friends volunteer for the ERT.
Why did you/your company decide to provide sponsorship to the trail?
We sponsor the ERT because we believe in its power to connect people and communities, model coastal resilience strategies, and catalyze business growth and innovation.
Given your business expertise and the nature of what you do, what benefits do you feel the trail has for the business community?
The ERT is the physical embodiment of the Norfolk Innovation Corridor (NIC). It is a place where social collisions spur conversations that lead to new ideas. It’s a place to teach, learn, and grow.
What’s your favorite trail moment?
My favorite trail moment happened last year when we began planning the eastern extension of the ERT to the Virginia Beach city line. Thinking about how to make connections to Norfolk State University, Chesterfield Heights, Ingleside, Poplar Halls, and finally Virginia Beach made me so excited about the people we will meet, and all of the ways we can work to connect people along 22 miles of trail.
Favorite Trailgrazing spot? (i.e. best local food spot steps from the trail)
Sunset Grill in the Lambert’s Point neighborhood. Best seafood in Norfolk and incredible business owners who are doing great things in the community!
Best view of the Elizabeth River from the trail?
There are too many to name!
Daytime – tie between the view of the working waterfront from under the tree at the point of Plum Point Park and the new Water Street Resilience Park.
Sunset – the view across from the obstacle course near Plum Point Park. There’s nothing like it!
