Norfolk couple sells venue building that lost money every month for two years

Arthur Rutter and his wife Meredith have sold the building at 759 Granby St. in Norfolk, closing the financial chapter on the former Work|Release venue. The couple purchased the property after it sat empty for years, but the business model never generated a profit during its two-year run.

The venue operated from April 2015 to April 2017 in the ground floor of the former Texaco building. At its peak, the 2,000-square-foot space employed 17 people and hosted events on nearly every night. Despite drawing large crowds, the operation could not cover its costs. Rutter noted that the business plan relied on neighboring businesses in the NEON District growing at the same rate, stating, "One business can't bring everybody else along."

The Rutters acquired the gutted shell after previous owners abandoned plans for condos following the 2008 housing crash. Rutter described the initial state of the property as having no walls, pipes, or wiring. Through the Rutter Family Art Foundation, the couple aimed to display contemporary art in a manner that local museums were "unable or unwilling" to provide. The opening exhibition, AGLOW, featured 12 international artists and established the venue as a hub for the emerging NEON District.

Director Careyann Weinberg led the venue for its entire duration. She organized a 2014 brainstorming session that defined the concept as a blend of art, music, and intellectual engagement. The lineup included Grammy-nominated Masego, rapper D.R.A.M., and DJ Tiësto. Guest curators such as Charlotte Potter and Jesse Scaccia hosted exhibitions that ranged from local showcases to a gun violence display that attracted national media attention.

The closure in 2017 was abrupt. Weinberg recalled being told the venue was "wrapped up" without a formal farewell event. Rutter described the pause as temporary, and the space later housed Commune restaurant and provided housing for visiting artists. After a slowdown in district recovery following the pandemic, the building functioned as a rentable event space.

The NEON District celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2025. However, ongoing utility work on Granby Street has reduced foot traffic. Some local businesses have cited these disruptions as a factor in their closures. The original Work|Release signage remains on the building's exterior as a marker of the venue's history.