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FOCUS AREA #1 - Roanoke City Market
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Home to one of the oldest Farmer's Markets in the country, this focus area is bordered by the railroad tracks to the north, 1st Street to the west, Interstate 581 to the east and Elm Avenue to the south. Being in the city core, this area has seen a number of new revitalization projects and with them the area has seen an increase in the residential investment. The scheduled opening of the new Taubman Art Museum in November 2008 has the area poised for an influx of investment dollars. The city is currently seeking proposals for a major renovation of the historic Market Building as well as considering upgrading Elmwood Park and making the market area more pedestrian friendly. With its rich history, many Roanokers consider this area the heart of the city and region.
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FOCUS AREA #2 - The Crossing
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Once the busy industrial hub, this area has fallen into decline. Now only forgotten structures like the derelict grain towers of Mennel Mills and the overgrown warehouses of Virginia Scrap Iron and Metal remain. The area is bordered by the Roanoke River to the east, I-581 to the north, Jefferson Street to the west and Roanoke Memorial Hospital to the south. Many of the remaining structures are old warehouses with an industrial feel due to their proximity to the railroad tracks, which are still in operation. Although it is located along the Jefferson Street Corridor, geographically, this area is cut off from the downtown. However, given its proximity to the Roanoke River and the Riverside Center, this would be a prime location for a vibrant mixed-use urban development. The revitalization of this area would be a vital link between the Roanoke City Market and the proposed Riverside Center.
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FOCUS AREA #3 – Reserve Avenue/Riverside
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Before being donated to the City of Roanoke in 1940, this site was owned by the Norfolk and Western Railway. Bordered by Reserve Avenue and Carilion's Riverside Center to the north, Jefferson Street to the east, the Roanoke River to the south and Franklin Road to the west the site is essentially an island and is prone to severe flooding. Formerly the home to Victory Stadium, a 1940's era sports venue, the site is significant in the minds of many locals as much controversy surrounded the stadium's demolition in 2006. Temporary soccer fields have replaced the stadium but other structures remain on the site including an armory, a baseball field and various auxiliary buildings. The city owns the site and is looking to its future as a possible landmark that takes advantage of the river and surrounding landscape.
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