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DOWNTOWN’S SIX DISTRICTS

CHAPTER 5

DOWNTOWN WEST

Existing Conditions Downtown West is an area that is rich in complexity and character, and adjacent to Virginia Tech’s Creativity and Innovation District, which is intended to foster innovation, start-ups, art, and creativity. How the town responds will greatly determine the degree to which a true synergy will emerge between public, private, and institutional entities to create a more modern, adaptive, and resilient economy. Within Downtown West, two sub- areas were identified that center on their respective primary streets: Otey and Draper. Existing Conditions: Otey North of Wall Street, Otey will one day cut through the heart of Virginia Tech’s CID. South of that, from Wall Street to Washington Street, are some of the Town’s most architecturally significant buildings—mostly single family homes that are limited to serving as institutional uses or private residences. Many of these buildings, while not designated as contributing structures, merit preservation. Otey dead-ends at Washington Street, denying a more direct connection from Virginia Tech to the Huckleberry Trail. Buildings to the south of Washington generally have less architectural significance and historic value than those to the north. Washington itself is a busy street, providing a back-door entry to the Virginia Tech Campus that could become more of a gateway.

Areas with less architectural significance

Key Issues & Opportunities

The areas west of Main and south of Virginia Tech’s emerging CID are ripe with potential, though they currently lack cohesion. Along Draper, the opportunity is to support Blacksburg’s emerging innovation sectors through streetscape improvements and new programs on key sites. Along Otey, the opportunity is to enhance the district’s existing character by reprogramming existing buildings with new innovation-oriented uses, and by extending Otey to connect to Huckleberry Trail.

Homes with architectural character

 Housing demand high  Office demand to increase with Creativity and Innovation District  Start-Up/Innovation Potential  Adjacent to the Creativity and Innovation District  Architecturally significant buildings  Cultural and recreational assets  Washington Street gateway potential

91 Downtown Blacksburg Strategic Plan MARKET PLACE POLICY ECONOMIC

Otey dead-end at Washington

 Limited permitted uses  Outside historic district  VT partnership potential

Huckleberry Trail

 Land costs moderate  Expanded uses could increase viability of existing homes