Local Business and Economic Development
Roanoke County is teaming up with Roanoke and Salem cities in efforts to bring more big-name retailers to the valley — familiar names to many, like Trader Joe’s. The three municipalities are jointly funding a study in efforts attract more restaurant and retail names, and the first step is selecting a consultant to gather the facts and figures big-name retailers need in making decisions — then guiding efforts to make it happen. More from WFIR’s Evan Jones:
Mike Stewart, Airport Executive Director
A longer runway, upgraded concessions, larger gates to accommodate bigger planes – ROA has a long wish list and yesterday the airport’s executive director provided his annual update to Roanoke City Council, as WFIR’s Gene Marrano reports:
G Marrano photos
In a ceremony that harkens back to ancient days, Carilion Clinic held a “topping out” event today as the last steel beam for the new 500,000 square foot addition that is scheduled to open in 2025 was lifted into place after being signed by employees from Carilion and the contractors building it. The 12 story building has room to expand on several empty floors; community assessments conducted by Carilion helped determine what the new Crystal Spring Tower should feature when it opens. Carilion Senior Vice President Mike Abbott is a point person on the new build:
The Evans Spring plan for the largest parcel of land remaining in Roanoke City that has not been developed will be the subject of a presentation at today’s 2pm City Council meeting. Its a proposal that has been met with resistance from some residents in northwest Roanoke previously. More from WFIR’s Gene Marrano:
The Virginia Land Conservation Foundation has awarded the Grassy Hill Natural Area Preserve in Franklin County a grant to protect the Piedmont Fameflower. WFIR’s Denise Allen Membreno reports.
Earlier this week The Virginia Land Conservation Foundation awarded grants to two conservation projects in our area. As WFIR’s Denise Allen Membreno reports both projects are globally significant.
Burt Pinnock- Baskervill G Marrano photo
Developer Ed Walker – who along with partners plan to spend at least 50 million dollars over the next decade-plus to transform the 9th Street Southeast Industrial park into a mixed-use project on more than 100 acres – introduced the Richmond-based architectural firm today that will do the “master planning” for Riverdale. Chair Burt Pinnock says they are excited about the challenge. Pinnock also said today that Baskervill hopes to have a draft Master Plan ready by next spring – after it receives public feedback on what THEY envision for the Riverdale retail and residential project.
