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DOWNTOWN’S SIX DISTRICTS

CHAPTER 5

DOWNTOWN NORTHWEST

Existing Conditions Downtown Northwest consists of a great deal of high-value land that, particularly on the southern end, could be far more attractive, vibrant, and value-adding than it currently is. While there have been significant efforts to upgrade the streetscape on Turner and Main Streets, curb cuts abound on private land, largely supporting auto-oriented restaurants. This mix of uncoordinated, car-dominated uses impede the district’s walkability and livability, registering more as a commercial strip than as part of a university downtown environment. Along Prices Fork Road, where car traffic and foot traffic meet, lies one of the best opportunities to introduce retail anchors into the downtown. Recent development has been of high quality, and presents a better model for auto-oriented retail. St. Luke and Odd Fellows Hall, which has significant historic value to Blacksburg, is currently isolated by incompatible, auto-oriented uses on all sides.

Key Issues & Opportunities

Auto-oriented restaurant with parking lot

Downtown Northwest today is comprised of a mix of uncoordinated, car-dominated uses. This area also has a great deal of high -value land, including sites adjacent to Virginia Tech. Along Prices Fork Road the north end of the district is emerging as a retail center, and has capacity to support additional anchor stores. There is also an opportunity to provide a more dignified environment for St. Luke and Odd Fellows Hall, important historic resources for Blacksburg.  Very high demand for upscale student housing  Very high demand for high-volume restaurants and retail  Too many auto-oriented uses and curb cuts  Superblock limits connectivity and walkability  Campus-adjacent  No adjacent neighborhoods  Few structures of architectural value  Strong physical link to Virginia Tech campus

North End Center

103 Downtown Blacksburg Strategic Plan MARKET PLACE POLICY ECONOMIC

VT building and garage

Quality streetscape

 Land costs very high, even for Downtown