The hillside development once known as Slate Hill in southwest Roanoke County – maligned by many when it sat dormant for years after seemingly half of the mountainside and its trees had been removed – is gaining more momentum all the time as South Peak. A 117-room Hilton Garden Inn hotel is slated to open in November and a 32-unit condominium building at the summit is about half full, with engineering work underway for a second condo building.
Meanwhile sales and marketing director Jeff Baric says they are now getting feelers from retailers who may want to set up shop on the lowest level at South Peak. Smith-Packett, the developer, plans to build their headquarters office building there, which could lead other companies to call South Peak home as well. Things are looking up.
Now comes the Estates at South Peak, a planned community of 23 high-end single-family homes (accessible from the Lowe’s store end on Franklin Road). A model home is now open; through the end of September over the next three weekends (Friday evenings-Sunday) visitors can view a fully furnished version. The furniture comes out at the end of September but the model can still be viewed. “We tried to set the tone with this [model],” said Barbic.
Barbic says there is a market for higher-end homes priced between $500,000 and $800,000 – even as pricey developments in the county like Mason’s Crest or Olde Mill Plantation failed to be fully realized. Barbic noted the proximity (about four miles) to downtown Roanoke and to the Carilion complex. Being located in southwest Roanoke County near a school system highly thought of should help. “We’re going to be a good property and we only have 23 [sites]. Its not like we’re trying to sell 75 or 100. And the market is starting to turn [upward].”
Barbic said partners like Grand Home Furniture, Indoor-Outdoor Living and Reid’s Fine Furnishing will help South Peak put its best face forward during the September open house, when visitors can also make a voluntary donation to support the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. South Peak is fielding more inquiries now, as things on the mountain come together – about a decade after it all began. “It’s the real thing now,” said Barbic.
By Gene Marrano
