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DOWNTOWN’S SIX DISTRICTS

CHAPTER 5

Vision: Otey Historic District The Vision for Otey is about infusing a historic area with more vibrancy and dynamism, while providing a true connection between it and the soon-to-be densely developed CID. Dynamism and vibrancy can be encouraged by broadening allowable uses in many of the architecturally significant buildings north of Washington. Such uses could include office and co-working, restaurant, bed and breakfast, and art studio space. By investing in a cohesive streetscape on Otey from College Avenue to Washington, an inviting link can be created from the CID to the historic district, even though the densities will be very different. A second benefit will be the encouragement of pedestrian traffic, which will help support new businesses in the historic buildings. South of Washington, new non-student residential uses will be encouraged to capitalize on the proximity to Downtown, the University, the CID, and Huckleberry Trail. The potential to extend Otey beyond Washington to create a more direct connection to the Huckleberry Trail could greatly improve the area’s attractiveness and walkability, and merits further exploration.

Bed and breakfast

Restaurants/dining

Historic preservation and repurposing

Art studios

CHARACTER & I DENT I TY

STRATEG I ES

Establish Development Opportunities

 Broadened Zoning Uses

 Historic Preservation  Otey Streetscape

Address Housing Affordability

Move People, Not Cars

 Incubators and Start Ups

 Art Studios

Enhance the Public Realm

 Bed and Breakfasts  Pedestrian Orientation

93 Downtown Blacksburg Strategic Plan

Foster Innovation and a Resilient Local Economy

Celebrate Town Distinctiveness

 University-Town Interface

S7

Six Districts, One Downtown