Virginia Tech Foundation Razes Historic Roanoke Lumber Shop For Development Along Carilion Innovation Corridor

Henri Gendreau -
A 1910 warehouse on Williamson Road built by the Exchange Lumber Co. was razed last month by the Virginia Tech Foundation for future development, as seen on Jan. 24, 2023. PHOTO BY HENRI GENDREAU FOR THE ROANOKE RAMBLER

The Virginia Tech Foundation razed a historic Roanoke lumber building last month to make way for future development along the innovation corridor anchored by the university and Carilion Clinic.

Demolition of the 1910 warehouse on Williamson Road Southeast coincides with Carilion’s removal of two buildings from the 1940s in the vicinity.

But both the hospital system and university say they don’t have specific plans for what may replace the buildings.