Business and Economy - The Roanoke Rambler

Amazon Touts Creation of 400 Jobs at Roanoke Industrial Park Site, Once Tapped for Brewery

Amazon unveiled its first Roanoke facility, which the company says supports 400 part-time jobs.

Historical Railroad Buffs Find New Home for Trains in Roanoke's Norwich Area

The Roanoke chapter of the National Railway Historical Society moved out of its longtime home in the industrial center that is now Riverdale.

Development

Tenants Evicted from Riverdale As Southeast Roanoke Community Takes Shape

Developer Ed Walker has stripped the former Roanoke Industrial Center of junk cars, scrap, chemicals, waste and unwanted tenants.

Outdoors

Mill Mountain Trails To Expand Significantly with First Professional Build, Plans Show

Four miles of new pathways are planned to get underway this spring on Mill Mountain, which has at least 10 miles of trails.

Business

A Tale of Two Malls: Valley View and Tanglewood Plot Routes To Stay Alive in the Age of Amazon

This is the story of two malls and their divergent approaches to dealing with the seismic changes in shopping habits in the 21st century.

Housing

Affordable Housing Complex Proposed For Rescue Mission Land in Southeast Roanoke

Developers propose building a 155-unit apartment complex at the entry of Southeast Roanoke from downtown.

Arts

Roanoke's Black History Museum Plans To Leave Downtown for Melrose Plaza

Center in the Square was not planning on renewing the Harrison museum’s same lease, which is up in 2026.

Development

New Life Proposed for Walker Foundry Land in Apartments, Restaurant, Pickleball Courts

Apartment complex, restaurant and pickleball courts could forge a new community in Roanoke’s Norwich neighborhood.

Business

On Williamson Road, 'Roanoke's First Bin Store' Attracts Weekly Lines of Bargain Hunters

Customers scour through returned and overstocked goods from retailers like Amazon at a new Roanoke store, which replenishes inventory each week.

Economy

Once Roanoke's Sleepy Blue-Collar Neighbor, Vinton Tries Making Itself a Hip Destination

Big things have been happening in Vinton, where $50 million in investment since 2015 has filled once-empty buildings with new restaurants and retail businesses.

Business

FarmBurguesa Among Roanoke Area Restaurants Targeted with Criminal Meals Tax Charges

As part of the enforcement, authorities recently conducted a “till tap” by visiting a city eatery unannounced to seize register cash.

Food Access

One of Roanoke's Few Urban Farms Clinches a Deal To Protect Its Land

A new land ownership model will protect the farm in Northwest Roanoke and enable some financial security for farmer Cameron Terry.

Economy

Roanoke Regional Tourism Agency Faces Repeated Council Scrutiny Over Value, Leadership

City leaders say a new strategic plan for Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge should address what they see as a bloated board of directors.

Housing

Affordable Apartment Tower No Longer Planned for Downtown Roanoke Site

The city agreed last year to sell its former Homeless Assistance Team office for a proposed 80-unit affordable housing project.

Travel

Wise Up: Southwest Virginia County Banks on Music and Nature in a Post-Coal Future

Wise County is building an economy on things that can’t be outsourced: natural beauty and traditional mountain music.

Business

Roanoke-Based Credit Union's New Checking Accounts Spark Concerns Over Fees

Freedom First Federal Credit Union says new accounts will offer perks, including the potential to save on insurance.

Neighborhoods

Ownership of Historic Gainsboro Property Fraught with Legal Claims of Fraud, Defamation

Two Roanoke community advocates are asking a judge to decide who’s the proper owner of a building recently eyed by city officials for rehabilitation.

Development

As Riverdale Expands, Residents Hear Vision for New Southeast Roanoke Neighborhood

Residents asked how Riverdale development might address addiction and homelessness in Southeast Roanoke, and how affordable rents may be.