New complex joins Starbuck’s, Dr Pepper Park at the Bridges, kayak launch and now Moe’s in a unique residential, business and outdoor space in the Roanoke Valley.
Roanoke River Associates today broke ground on second building in the South16 apartment complex at The Bridges, continuing its multi-year plan to develop the space into a vibrant, yet historic riverfront destination for recreation, shopping, dining and downtown living.
The newest South16 building will have 127 units, outdoor recreation areas that include a patio overlooking the Star and Roanoke River, swimming pool and a fourth-floor viewing deck with some of the Valley’s best views of the annual Fourth of July fireworks.
Unlike the first complex, South16, the new apartments will bring more brick into the building to create a consistent synergy with the architecture across the street at Virginia Tech Carilion Medical School and Research Institute. The living spaces will be similar to the original complex and continue to provide the high-end finishes.
Coinciding with the recently announced expansion of the Virginia Tech Carilion Medical School and Research Institute and the influx of hundreds of new students, The Bridges is planned to grow to 1 million square feet of residential, retail and office space over the next decade. This growth will connect downtown with the Roanoke River to create a destination that will include a public river walk, kayak launch and riverfront dining.
“We have been very fortunate to be able to provide a well-liked product. On top of the success of South16 and this growing area we are pleased to announce our new building,” said Aaron Ewert, project manager for The Bridges. “Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer has been exceptional to work with. With their input, The Bridges has averaged $10 million in development a year. When we are done with our second building in the early fall of 2017, we will have invested $40 million into our site. Partnering with the City of Roanoke on the public infrastructure has also paid off. We commend their continuing efforts to grow this important area.”
The Bridges properties are being developed by Richmond-based WVS Companies, which has worked on numerous projects that reuse existing buildings and amenities to create new communities.
“We hit our trifecta with recreation by having the kayak launch approved and funded, with retail and entertainment in the opening of Starbucks, Moe’s and Dr Pepper Park – and today the announcement of our second apartment building,” Ewert continued. ”We still have an incredible amount to accomplish but creating 75 jobs and a brand new tax base is a great start.”
