THE ROANOKE REGION OF VIRGINIA

Center in the Square draws some 400,000 visitors annually to visit the Historical Society of Western Virginia, Mill Mountain Theatre and Science Museum of Virginia. It’s also home to the Arts Council of the Blue Ridge.

Two local companies, Advance Auto Parts and Delta Dental, are purchasing tax credits to pay for the bulk of the $27 million project, with another $9 million coming from a community campaign.


Proposed changes to the 1983 building include a skylight, butterfly habitat, 5,500-gallon coral reef aquarium and high-tech interactive games in a new, larger atrium. Work is expected to be completed in 2012.

In addition to the physical changes, the renovated center will house the Harrison Museum of African-American Culture.

For a preview of the renovation, please see this Video.

Founded by playwright Kenley Smith, the alternative playhouse supports artistic development through educational programs, working with the arts community “to make Roanoke a nationally recognized ignition point for new play development.”

Studio Roanoke features:

• A poetry slam that lets poets compete for a cash prize.
• No Shame Theatre to give a voice to amateur playwrights, actors and musicians.
• Free lunchbox readings for new plays.
• Acoustic Lounge, featuring 15-minute sets by local musicians and songwriters, culminating with a free-form jam session and mixer with the audience.
• Monthly theatrical productions with Hollins University students and local actors.

The $30 million facility currently employs 23 and eventually will bring 55 jobs to the Roanoke Region. LiteSteel chose the region for its excellent logistics, proximity to selected markets, outstanding state, county and regional support and availability of a facility for its specialized production process.

“”We are pleased to contribute to the local economy and source services and products locally, and are determined to be a good neighbor and active member of the community,” said Scott Morling, senior vice president – general manager for LiteSteel Technologies America.



LiteSteel announced the Botetourt County location in November 2006. The Australian-based company began production of LSB in 2004, following five years of research and development on the product. LSB is a patented, cold-formed, lightweight steel structural beam that combines the strength of steel, but with the installation ease

normally associated with wood products. Ideal for basement beams, garage beams, long-spam headers, roof and ridge beams, and floor and deck supports, LSB has been used in Australia for the past four years in thousands of projects.

The Roanoke Region facility is producing LSB in 12 different sizes, ranging in nominal beam depth from eight to 14 inches. LSB’s patented manufacturing process gives it a unique profile with a flat, thin web and two fully welded hollow flanges for maximum structural performance in terms of load carrying capacity, bending moment and deflection from the amount of steel employed.

“We’re gratified that LiteSteel Technologies has chosen the Roanoke Region for this plant and share in the company’s pride as its products begin to transform the way America builds,” said Beth Doughty, executive director of the Roanoke Regional Partnership.



LiteSteel has been assisted since its announcement by the Partnership, Botetourt County and the Commonwealth of Virginia. For more information about LiteSteel, Click Here.

The Roanoke Regional Partnership was founded in 1983 as a regional economic development organization for the greater Roanoke area that includes Alleghany, Botetourt, Franklin and Roanoke counties, the cities of Roanoke and Salem and the Town of Vinton. The organization has been involved in business locations and expansions that have created more than 13,600 jobs and $1.3 billion in investment in real estate and equipment. To learn more, please visit www.roanoke.org.

October 28, 2009 – Local real-estate developer, Ed Walker announces today, his purchase of The Patrick Henry building located at 617 Jefferson Street in downtown Roanoke, VA. "The goal is to take a building that has become a community weakness and turn it into a community strength," says Walker.



A local development team will join Walker, who plans to completely renovate and refit The Patrick Henry into a spectacular commercial and residential mixed-use space featuring office, retail, restaurant and event space. The success of The Patrick Henry’s redevelopment will rely on the inspired commitment of five to six flagship businesses who choose to occupy some of the most distinctive and well-appointed commercial spaces in the Commonwealth of Virginia. In addition, plans include areas for dining and shopping, all of which will come together to create an exciting, and energized atmosphere in downtown.

Commercial opportunities will include:

• Professional offices from 2, 500 to 10,000 sq. ft.
• Coffee shop
• Upscale restaurant & bar
• Retail spaces from 1,500 to 3,000 sq. ft.
• Document storage of 22,000 sq. ft.

“The Patrick Henry will be at the forefront of the city’s continued revitalization and is poised to begin a new era of service to the region,” says Walker. “There is no better moment than right now for this restoration to succeed.”

Many of the items currently housed in the building are of historical significance and will be used in the renovation, however a substantial amount of furniture, fixtures, and equipment will be sold to the public in a multi-day sale in late 2009. After the public disposition sale, the remaining items will be sold at auction.

The projected completion date of The Patrick Henry is May of 2011.

Roanoke Region of Virginia

ROANOKE, Va. (October 28, 2009) – The Roanoke Region has been named the favorite location by editors of Business Facilities, a national publication for site selectors and economic development officials.

In its October cover story, the 43,000-circulation journal cited the region’s low unemployment, rising home prices, diversifying economy and quality of life.

“The Roanoke Region jumped to the top of the list because, in a time of flat-lining economic indicators, every arrow … is pointing in the right direction,” the magazine wrote. “Roanoke, VA also stands out because it is successfully diversifying its economic base while maintaining a charming, comfortable quality of life that glows with old-fashioned hospitality.”

The article cites the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine and businesses such as LiteSteel Technologies, TMEIC GE and Synchrony for leading the region’s economic transformation.

A digital version of the magazine, with the complete story, can be viewed Here.

It was the second time this year the Roanoke Region was prominently featured in a national magazine. The region also has been profiled in US Airways magazine for Roanoke, VA as well as The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Southern Living and other publications.


ABOUT THE ROANOKE REGIONAL PARTNERSHIP

The Roanoke Regional Partnership was founded in 1983 as a regional economic development organization for the greater Roanoke area that includes Alleghany, Botetourt, Franklin and Roanoke counties plus the cities of Roanoke and Salem and the town of Vinton. Its program of work includes image building, asset development, and business recruitment. The Partnership has been involved in business locations and expansions that have created more than 13,600 jobs and $1.3 billion in investment in real estate and equipment. To learn more, please visit www.Roanoke.org.