Blacksburg council OKs rezoning for former middle school site that could reshape downtown
BLACKSBURG — The Blacksburg Town Council late Tuesday approved the rezoning needed for the long-awaited redevelopment of the old Blacksburg Middle School site.
The rezoning, which passed on a 7-0 vote, marks a major step for the undeveloped 21-acre downtown site that has remained vacant since the school closed in 2002.
“I’m happy we’re finally here,” Councilwoman Susan Mattingly, who’s also the executive director of Lyric Theatre, said before voting. “What we need is more people to be downtown. … I’m really optimistic that this will improve our vibrancy.”
Midtown Redevelopment Partners’ project, with a price tag expected to exceed $100 million, includes a hotel and commercial buildings on the property bordering South Main Street. Behind that will be residences such as townhomes and condominiums.
The project also includes a park on the site’s rear and a plaza at the corner of South Main and Eheart streets.
“We’re excited for the opportunity to move forward,” Cowan said after the vote.
To learn more about the things set to be placed in this land, check out the link below.