000000_TownBburg_DowntownLiving_FB

DOWNTOWN’S SIX DISTRICTS

CHAPTER 5

Vision The vision for Downtown Northwest is one that is far more walkable, urban, architecturally appealing, mixed in use on the southern end, and continues the effort to locate quality retail anchors along Prices Fork. The southern end could be redeveloped into a dense, mixed-use environment—the only one in Downtown that truly targets students—that reinforces Main Street and Turner as walkable urban places. New streets would be added to break up the superblock, forming four development sites that total over 6 acres. Buildings could be oriented around a plaza or green. Along Prices Fork, the town can leverage auto access to target downtown retail anchors, such as a general merchandise store or a high -quality grocer. The site at the southern corner of Prices Fork Road and North Main Street requires special consideration. The Wendy’s that currently occupies the site does not provide a very dignified environment for the neighboring historic site of St. Luke and Odd Fellows Hall. One option is to support context-sensitive redevelopment of the site with a use that complements St. Luke and Odd Fellows Hall, likely aligning resources to assist in acquisition of the corner site. A second option is to create new open space at this corner, programmed as an active gathering space and with elements that help residents and visitors engage with this historic site.

Improved public space

Student housing with ground floor retail

General merchandise store

Historic focused public space

CHARACTER & I DENT I TY

STRATEG I ES

Establish Development Opportunities

 High quality buildings

 Mix of uses  Ground floor retail

Address Housing Affordability

Move People, Not Cars

 Density and urbanity

 Student-oriented

Enhance the Public Realm

 Public square or green  New street connections

105 Downtown Blacksburg Strategic Plan

Foster Innovation and a Resilient Local Economy

S5

Celebrate Town Distinctiveness

 Walkability

 Dignified location  Compatibility

S7

Six Districts, One Downtown