March 15, 2007
Video: Changes in the City Market
Video by Duncan Adams | Produced by Seth M. Gitner
Center in the Square, a cultural organization in downtown Roanoke, played a key role in the revitalization of the City Market. Now, with the Art Museum of Western Virginia set to depart for new quarters in 2008 or so, Center in the Square officials believe the Center itself needs a rebirth.
But retail merchants along Market Street are concerned that renovations for Center in the Square might displace their businesses, which are tenants in the Center’s building. Center board members already have said changes to the building’s street level spaces might require moving the landmark Roanoke Weiner Stand.
Tom Brock, board chairman for Center in the Square, has emphasized repeatedly that the organization is considering a number of options that could help provide it greater visibility.
“At this point, we’re in the planning stages,” he said.
-- Story by Duncan Adams
Comments
[March 16, 2007 2:15 AM]
Ralph JohnsonIt a shame that the city is doing this, just like they tore down "Victory Stadum". Let well enough alone! If you HAVE to change anything...get a resonsible city manager and council
[March 16, 2007 8:51 AM]
Joe DavisAs a Roanoke native living and working in the Washington DC metro area, I find this to be the oppotunity of a life time. May I suggest that the owners of the Roanoke Weiner Stand pack up and move ino the vacant lot located at 1601 Pennsylvania Ave, Washington DC where they will be more appreciated. This done, will elimiate the need for me to return to Roanoke in less than two years when I retire.
[March 16, 2007 10:56 AM]
Ed De LauneyFirst of all, I agree with re:locating the Weiner Stand to 1601 Pennsylvania Ave. Overall, I think the downtown area needs some out of town "movers and shakers" to breathe some life there such as an exciting hotel/condo/retail facility similar to Blacksburgs' Kent Square. With more people living downtown, more businesses will follow and the entire area will flourish. There will always be nostalgia buffs who don't like change, but Roanoke must change to compete in the 21st century.
[March 17, 2007 10:41 AM]
Vicki HonerChange, yes, that is important for Roanoke. But to destroy or at least deplete what is one of the best aspects of the City Market seems questionable at best, especially in the name of "visibility". Let the change be development of businesses in more blocks of downtown, invigorating the arts and restaurant scene with living quarters and more retail areas--not less.
[March 18, 2007 11:04 AM]
Terri BrocklyChange is GOOD!!! ROANOKE IS DECAYING AND IT NEEDS SERIOUS HELP. JUST LOOK AROUND EVERYTHING IS OLD AND FALLING APART. THE ROADS ARE IN SERIOUS NEED OF REPAIR. ROANOKE MUST CHANGE. THE CITY MUST START INFORCING HOME OWNERS TO CLEAN UP THEIR PROPERTY. WHEN PEOPLE HAVE PRIDE IN THEIR HOMES THEY WILL ACCEPT CHANGE FOR THE CITY.
[March 18, 2007 11:28 AM]
VirginiaWhat a shame to mess with the Market, look what Richmond has done to their downtown market, every year, there are less and less vendors because the powers to be have chosen to mess with it. Leave Roanoke alone.
[March 19, 2007 1:47 AM]
-bettywhy are thwy takeing some a way that history i m 61 and that was my home i was raised on the market my dad had a place there my first 20 years of my life and i would love to come back and see all the farmers still there.
[March 19, 2007 11:38 AM]
Lee RThe guys that are wanting to change the Market. I would bet that each one stands to get a kickback for pushing this thing on the people of Roanoke, The regular people that go to the market don't want this but the ones pushing this don't care what the people want,The market as it is has most anything you want and it is a fun place to shop one of the only reason's I come downtown, Please don't sell out to the Money grabbers leave the market alone............
[March 19, 2007 8:16 PM]
MargaretRoanoke could use some revitaization with more businesses and more people moving downtown. I just hope they don't try to make it look modern and tacky. I also hope they keep the farmers market because I think that will thrive should they revitalize everything else. Yes, change is good but just don't do away with the farmers market. It helps support the community and the downtown restaurants. Take a look at the farmers market in Union Square in New York City and try to replicate something that supports new industry as well as sustainable agriculture!! It could be a win/win situation!!
[March 19, 2007 8:21 PM]
CMDowntown has been getting desolate now for too long! Renovation and revitilization is good. Don't forget about the community and the farmers. A lot of people rely on the farmers market for fresh produce as well as a look the culture of our community. Support sustainable agriculture while at the same time bringing in more people/consumers to help the economy. Just don't be trashy about it.