Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, May 12, 1994                   TAG: 9405120209
SECTION: BUSINESS                    PAGE: B-8   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

IN BUSINESS

A Richmond developer has obtained a building permit to construct Peters Creek Apartments, a $4.2 million complex on North Barrens Road.

Dennis Cronk of the Waldvogel, Poe & Cronk Real Estate Group Inc. said Wednesday this project will be the Roanoke Valley's first multifamily development since construction of Hickory Woods in 1988.

The permit, issued by Roanoke County on Tuesday, is for 120 apartments. The developer will be Michael L. McNamara of Castle Development Corp. in Richmond.

McNamara has said the complex would be built under the low-income housing tax-credit program of the Virginia Housing Development Authority. Cronk said that program allows construction of moderate-rent units. He said three-bedroom apartments will rent for $550 a month, and two-bedroom units will go for $480.

The 12-acre tract on North Barrens Road, off Peters Creek Road, was once part of the Friendship Manor property.

- Staff report

Peebles announces expansion plans

Peebles Department Stores, a South Hill-based retailer operating a store in New River Valley Mall, said Wednesday it plans to enter four new markets - including its first in Pennsylvania - and expand or renovate four existing locations during 1994, a $6 million investment in new and expanded stores totaling 142,000 square feet of selling space.

Peebles new markets include Luray and Norfolk in Virginia, Georgestown, S.C., and Gettysburg, Pa. Existing stores in Smithfield, Va., Conway, S.C., and Bowie, Md. will be relocated and enlarged.

- Staff report

Roanoke ad group wins 5 awards

Ad 2 of the Roanoke Valley, an organization of young advertising and marketing professionals, has won five awards from the Third District American Advertising Federation.

In addition to being named club of the year, the organization took top honors in membership, public service, government relations and club management. Competition included Ad 2 clubs in Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina.

Amanda Snapp, president of Ad 2 Roanoke, also received a governor's citation for dedication to district federation activities.

- Staff report

Packett, Cox Cable to aid Big Brothers

The Packett Group and Cox Cable Roanoke said Wednesday they will work together to help raise money for Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Roanoke Valley.

Cox Cable will donate a portion of all May installation fees to Big Brothers/Big Sisters. The Packett Group, a Roanoke advertising and public relations firm, donated its time to develop television and radio spots to promote the Cox effort.

Produced with the help of Voiceworks Studios, Eye Video Productions and Richard Boyd Photography, the campaign features three generations of big and little brothers.

The Big Brothers/Big Sisters matches adults with children from single-parent homes and has a "buddies program" of activities with adults in a planned setting.

- Staff report