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ANALYSIS : AFRAMEWORK FORDOWNTOWNBLACKSBURG

CHAPTER 2

GROWTH

Innovation District and complementary development adjacent to it in Downtown.

BLACKBURG & I NNOVAT I ON Blacksburg has the opportunity to leverage Virginia Tech’s investment in the Creativity and Innovation District to enhance vibrancy and economic opportunity Downtown.

Technology, and the School of Visual Arts. The plan also includes a long-term vision for the development of living spaces, studios, and shared learning spaces. The programmatic elements of the CID are consistent with successful innovation districts, providing linkages between technology, creativity, and business within the university community. But the long-term impacts on the regional economy will be dependent on forging alliances with the town, business community, and other local stakeholders to create natural linkages, both physical and elemental, to the

The Creativity and Innovation District In 2016, Virginia Tech announced plans to develop its Creativity and Innovation District (CID), to be located on the eastern edge of campus adjacent to Downtown Blacksburg. The goal of the CID is to “fully support the complexities of innovation — from idea creation to commercialization,” and as such it will be home to the School of Performing Arts, the Moss Arts Center, the Institute for Creativity, Arts, and

Innovation Districts

Recognizing the role of innovation and entrepreneurship to support economic growth and vibrancy, many communities have established innovation districts that bring together public, private, and institutional stakeholders to create an environment of creativity, collaboration and commercialization. This has resulted in a shift from developing isolated industrial and office parks to creating environments that better promote a cross- pollination of industries and face-to-face interactions. In particular, research has shown that building up and creating enhanced exchanges between science and tech professionals, business and entrepreneurship professionals, and design and creative professionals is correlated with higher entrepreneurial activity. The modern day innovation district typically takes on a more urban, mixed-use form, with an emphasis on an inviting public realm and “Third Places” such as cafes, in which business can be conducted more casually and interactions can take place that foster informal idea exchanges. While employment is still the dominant use, restaurants, retail, and housing are important components that extend the activity of the place beyond the workday. It is this model that can inform the development of VT’s Creativity and

33 Downtown Blacksburg Strategic Plan

Key Stats  600,000 new sq. ft.  500 new housing units  No new retail/dining amenities

Virginia Tech’s planned Creativity and Innovation District (CID)