There were no qualms with the sale of the historic 1850 Buena Vista home in Southeast Roanoke Monday evening. Council’s vote was unanimous. There were some questions about the three acres that go with it. Access to the rest of the 12.7-acre parcel containing a playground was assured.
Scott Horchler bought the former Buena Vista Recreation Center for $75,000. Horchler is employed by SunTrust and was present at the council meeting along with his wife Ascension and their two young children. They sat with Laura Padgett, president of Southeast Action Forum, who supported the sale to the Horchlers.
Padgett thanked city administration for the opportunity to meet with the Horchlers. Though she supported the sale she said she “did not support how it all took place.” Padgett said as a neighborhood group she wanted to see the city reach out in the beginning phase of any project rather than first hearing about it from the media. “This give the air of there being something to hide,” said Padgett.
The city and the Horchlers eventually met with the SEAF neighbors and all was worked out. Padgett emphasized that this was an example of how communication with the neighborhood can produce a positive outcome.
The property valued at $250,000 was sold for $75,000. Extensive renovations once projected to be $285,000 in 2003 has ballooned to $500,000 today.
The Horchlers plan to use a portion of the building as a reception hall and would renovate the remainder of the house as their residence. The property will need to be rezoned to accommodate the use as a single-family residence.
By Valerie Garner [email protected]
