Downtown
The downtown area is Blacksburg’s historic center. It is often designated as the original 16 blocks that made up the town when it was founded. Downtown is also one of Blacksburg’s main commercial centers.
The Blacksburg Town Council and other town planners have supported a policy of smart growth for downtown, concentrating development near the center of a town to avoid sprawl.
Recently, the farmers market reopened in Market Square Park, on the corner of Draper Road and Roanoke Street. It was temporarily located on Roanoke Street during renovation.
Future plans for downtown include Virginia Tech’s Center for the Arts, which will be located between the Alumni Mall and Shultz Dining Center. There are also possible plans to turn College Avenue into a pedestrian mall.
Many downtown businesses are members of a group called the Downtown Blacksburg, Inc., which supports economic development downtown.
Content on Downtown:
College Carousel Retail and Resale
February 5, 2013
Without any explanation, except, perhaps, a toe-tapping hip-hop anthem, thrift store shopping or “thrifting,” as many have come to know it, has emerged as a popular alternative to traditional clothing options.
The Legacy of Mike and his Grill
November 14, 2012
Beloved owner of Mike's Grill, Mike Varelos, dies at age 77
'Alphabet soup' is on the menu: LGBT groups, Downtown Blacksburg Inc, host restaurant week
October 22, 2012
For the first year ever, Virginia Tech is celebrating October with a series of events in honor of LGBT history month.
April 4, 2012
One student is looking to bridge the gap between the university and Blacksburg.
August 8, 2011
The two-day street festival in Downtown Blacksburg celebrated its 31st year in 2011, and was met with the same high attendance and enthusiasm as is seen every year.
XYZ Gallery offers ‘Silent Night’ auction
December 6, 2010
It’s the holiday season once again and that means many of us are even more broke than our normal college student status.
Get in the holiday spirit this weekend
December 1, 2010
Five reasons to attend this year’s “Hometown Holiday” parade.
Downtown Blacksburg adjusts to Chipotle opening
October 26, 2010
A front entrance entirely blocked by wet concrete was not enough to keep burrito-lovers out of Chipotle last Thursday afternoon.
30 Days of Blacksburg boosts downtown business
October 14, 2010
Midway through October, businesses are beginning to see the benefits of the 30 Days of Blacksburg initiative.
Rapid renovations ruin downtown Blacksburg
October 11, 2010
I had dinner at the Rivermill on Tuesday night because the burrito line at Chipotle was out the door.