The Route 419 corridor in Roanoke County has long served as a premiere shopping and business destination for a diverse mix of retail, commercial and residential opportunities. As a key economic driver for the community, Roanoke County’s vision is to revitalize this corridor, creating a more vibrant commercial area with pedestrian friendly accommodations. The focus of the 419 Town Center Planning Study encompasses the area from Route 220 to Starkey Road and includes the Tanglewood Mall, South Peak and undeveloped Old Heritage Corporation properties.
“In our ongoing efforts to grow the economy, it is important to create new centers for activity where citizens can find shopping and entertainment close to where they live,” said Jason Peters, Chair of the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors.
County Administrator Tom Gates noted, “It is natural that we would look for opportunities to develop and redevelop existing commercial areas of the County that are already well served by the infrastructure necessary for commercial growth. The 419 Town Center area is densely populated and easily accessible, two important attributes for commercial success. We are excited for the potential of this area and the possibility of bringing new retail and commercial opportunities to the community.”
The 419 Town Center Planning Study began with a Kick-off Visioning Event held on September 15 at the Holiday Inn Tanglewood. The event was open to the public and offerred an opportunity for community input.
Roanoke County has engaged Stantec Urban Places Group, a national design consulting firm, to develop a market-based master plan for the Route 419 Town Center study area. The planning process includes key stakeholder interviews, a three day community vision charrette and a community open house to present the final plan.
“Reimagine 419 is the right project, at the right place, at the right time. It is as realistic as it is exciting, because the 419 corridor has dramatic economic potential,” said David Dixon, senior principal at Stantec.
The timing of the study coincides with the sale of the Tanglewood Mall property, which provides an opportunity to work cooperatively with the buyer to enhance commercial opportunities at this location.
It is anticipated that the project will take six months to complete, after which, design standards, transportation improvements and development concepts will be incorporated into county planning and redevelopment strategies.
More information about the 419 Town Center Planning Study can be found online at www.roanokecountyva.gov/419.
