Rutter family sells former Work|Release building in Norfolk

Arthur Rutter and his wife Meredith sold the property at 759 Granby St. in Norfolk, where their nonprofit arts venue Work|Release operated for two years.

The couple purchased the ground floor of the old Texaco building after previous owners left the structure gutted following the 2008 housing market crash. Rutter noted that the building contained no walls, pipes, or wires when they acquired it.

Work|Release opened in April 2015 during the early development of the NEON District. The space was designed to present contemporary art to a wide audience, a role Rutter stated local museums were unable or unwilling to fulfill.

Director Careyann Weinberg led the venue for its entire run. A brainstorming session in summer 2014 established the concept as a combination of a thinking club and an art space. The venue opened with a neon sculpture exhibition featuring 12 international artists.

The 2,000-square-foot room hosted a diverse music lineup, including Grammy-nominated artist Masego and DJ Tiësto. The venue employed 17 people at its peak and operated nearly every night, often drawing lines around the building until late morning.

Operating costs prevented the venue from turning a profit. Charlotte Potter, a former guest curator, recalled Rutter saying the family was willing to lose their sleeve but not their shirt. The business model relied on other NEON District businesses growing at the same pace, a condition that did not materialize.

The venue closed in April 2017 without a farewell event or press release. Weinberg described the shutdown as a sudden announcement. Rutter stated the closure was intended as a pause rather than a permanent end. Commune restaurant later moved into the space.

The NEON District celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2025 with a book featuring over 200 works of art. Current utility work on Granby Street has slowed foot traffic, and some local businesses have cited the disruption for their closures. The original Work|Release signage remains on the building exterior.