Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, July 14, 1990 TAG: 9007140365
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: A-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER MUNICIPAL WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Some city officials had said earlier they were concerned that TAP's purchase of the building might interfere with the city's plans for a trade and convention center.
But top city administrators and three City Council members told TAP officials Friday there are too many unknowns about the convention center project to determine whether the Stone Printing building, now occupied by Frame One, might be needed.
The property is next to Norfolk Southern's old office buildings, the recommended site for a convention center that would be tied to Hotel Roanoke.
"If TAP decides to move into the Stone Printing building, it will have the blessing of the city administration and the council committee," said Michelle Bono, city public information officer.
TAP has an option on the building, but the anti-poverty agency has said it is not the first choice for a new headquarters.
TAP prefers that its headquarters be in the Henry Street revival area, but also is considering the Stone Printing building and the city's Booker T. Washington school administration building.
Under one plan proposed by city officials, the school administration offices would move into the old Jefferson High School, which is to be renovated and converted into an arts, educational and office complex. This would free up the school administration building for TAP.
Cabell Brand, president of TAP's board of directors, had said earlier thhat TAP could help spur the Henry Street renewal project by relocating its headquarters there.
TAP obtained an option on the Stone Printing building because of uncertainity about whether a Henry Street site would be available.
TAP officials met with city officials and the council members Friday to talk about three possible sites for a new headquarters. The meeting was closed, but Bono briefed reporters afterwards.
The anti-poverty agency's old headquarters on Shenandoah Avenue Northwest was destroyed by fire two days before Christmas.
Bono said TAP officials indicated that if the agency acquires the Stone Printing building, it would work with the city if the property should be needed later for the convention center.
During the closed meeting, Bono said, city and TAP officials exchanged information about the two other sites under consideration - Henry Street and the school administration building.
"The city gave more concrete information on the school administration building and Henry Street and TAP gave a clear indication of how they would like the city to be involved," she said.
The council committee and TAP officials are expected to make a report to the full council July 23, Bono said.
Brand said after the meeting that TAP has not made a decision, but plans to do so before its option on the Stone Printing building expires.
by CNB