Owners of the old RP Johnson & Son’s building in Wytheville are crowd sourcing for a way to use the building. William J. Smith and Gordon Jennings are accepting ideas through Facebook until Dec. 31. Facebook users can also vote for building ideas that have already been posted. Click here to submit an idea on Facebook.

Here is the press release from building co-owner, William J. Smith II.

It has been 5 years since RP Johnson & Son’s closed its doors at 355 East Main Street in Wytheville. The building’s owners, William J “Bill” Smith and Gordon Jennings, are ready to take a unique approach to decide how best to utilize the space. The duo is employing a method called crowd sourced placemaking to investigate creative ideas for the ultimate use of the 22,000 square foot building.

Submit your ideas for the building on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Smith-Enterprises/370239895350 (you’ll have to register before submitting). There, you will also find other ideas for the building and click “like” to vote for them. You can also submit an idea via email smithenterprisesva@gmail.com.

Any idea that gets more than 25 votes will be considered a HOT TOPIC at a meeting where steps to implement ideas will be discussed. Ideas will be received until Monday, December 31, 2012.

“Our goal is to generate excitement and support from the community “said Smith. They also hope the ideas will identify community needs and desires. Suggestions thus far have included restaurant(s), office space, and permanent inside/outside Farmers ’ Market, combined ‘Round the Mountain Artisan Center and Crooked Road Music Venue, antique mall, tourist information center, or multiple retail shops featuring local products.