Downtown Roanoke: 1995-2007

Except for a two year diversion working on Starkey Road in the county, and six months at RMH, I've worked downtown since 1995. I try to walk around and stretch my legs from time to time, and when I do, the difference I see from then to now is impressive.

In 1995, there were maybe three downtown residences. Now, there are condos or apartments on nearly every block. The promise of a restored Grand Piano building, with (sorta) reasonably priced apartments, will bring dozens more.

Back then, for dining we had Billy's Ritz, Awful Arthur's, Carlos, First Street, the Mediterranean, Corned Beef & Co, Alexander's, and the market building. Not much else. Retail? Yes, the farmer's market, smaller versions of Twist and Turns and La De Da. Sam's was about the same as it is now. There was Books, Strings, and Things but that was in it's autumn years. A few gift shops. Art gallery space was primarily limited to the second floor above what used to be a bagel shop.

Now, the 100 block of Campbell has become quite an artist's haven. It seems like each time I take a walk, a new gallery pops up. T&T and LDD have expanded. We have that new place that sells the pricy jeans (sorry, I can't remember the name). The Campbell Mart has pared down and cleaned up. There are dozens of buildings undergoing renovation (at varying paces, of course), but that is hopefully a sign of good things to come. Take a look at Kirk Ave. west of Jefferson. Practically the entire block is being gutted and fixed up.

We lost Carlos to the county, and there have been comings and goings (sorry to see Billy's Ritz closing soon), but we've added some great places: 202 Market, Metro, Arzu, Blue 5, Table 50, Wertz's, Trio, Tong's Thai, Martin's, Nawab, Swagat, Nico's, Wasabi and others - sorry if I left you out. Alexander's and Corned Beef are still going strong.

In spite of that, we still have a way to go: what to do with the Heironimus building, the old ABC store, the old Campbell Mart? These are large properties, and each could be a good location for a mid-sized grocery to help maintain the growing downtown population. I know I would go there from time to time if I wanted a can of spaghettio's for lunch rather than a sandwich.

Also, the truth is that a lot of the architecture downtown is just plain ugly. Either from age, neglect, or botched attempts at remodeling. Several properties should be bulldozed. I often wonder about the "Junior Lunch" on Franklin. It's been vacant for (at least) 12 years.

There are unanswered questions, as always: how will the Riverside Center affect things? Will it draw people downtown or siphon them away? Will downtown's improvement be to the detriment of other city neighborhoods? I believe strongly that we need to bring up the city as a whole, not only through population and job growth, but also through preservation of our neighborhoods (without oppressive review board policies that discourage homeowners from improving their properties. There has to be compromise.)

Still, when I compare today's downtown to that of 1995, I'm proud of the changes I've seen. Who knows how it all transpired? Who cares, really? Say what you want about city government, Darlene Burcham, or city council's supposed ineptitude. Bitch away about stadiums, amphitheaters, mountaintop hotels, streetcars and parking garages.

I don't like the parking fee proposal, either, but truth is, there is more to do downtown, people need places to park, the garages need to be maintained, and that costs money. I don't think $2 is going to deflect people to shop at Wal-mart. The experience is completely different and anyone who has experienced the city market already knows that. Besides, if you are willing to walk a few blocks, there is usually street parking available somewhere. Just circle a time or two and you'll find it. On the weekends, there is generally no time limit.

Oh, yeah, I almost forgot: we're getting a huge, shiny, prominent new art museum right smack in the middle of it all. OK, it's a little odd looking, but so what? It's a sign of major progress. It's a sign of a city that wants to prosper and grow. It means we are willing to put something out there that will make a casual passer-by on 581 say, "Whoa, what's that all about?" They may think it's an eyesore, but they will certainly notice it.

Great things have been happening, and we should take a moment and reflect on that. Incessant complaining does nothing but divert time and energy away from progress. City Council is trying to make decisions for a more prosperous future. If anything they are too careful and studious about making those decisions. But we should be glad we have something here to complain about. It's not like they out there passing laws about baggy pants or dirty dancing at the prom.