Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, September 20, 1995 TAG: 9509200042
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: MAG POFF STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Three buildings at 120 to 124 Campbell Ave. S.W., which are on the National Register of Historic Places, have been purchased from the city by David Hill for rehabilitation into offices for his landscape architecture business.
Two of them, 120 and 122 Campbell, will be used as a showcase for urban residential design and commercial space before Hill's office opens.
Council representatives said Tuesday that the showcase is a version of the ``designer show houses'' that are popular fund-raisers across the country. Instead of using a mansion or historic house as the framework for designers' creativity, a rehabilitated commercial property will be the backdrop.
Council speakers said the urban-living showcase is unique to Roanoke.
Philip Sparks, Roanoke's director of economic development, said 37 apartments already have been created on the upper levels of downtown buildings. All of them are occupied.
More than a dozen of the region's interior designers will create displays in Hill's buildings to show innovative ways to live downtown. The local chapter of the American Institute of Architects is designing floor plans for the spaces that the designers will create.
The arts council is planning a gala preview April 20, three days before the three-week public opening.
Sally Rugaber, a past president of the council, said related events may include lectures by nationally known interior designers and urban planners, teas and a wine tasting.
There also may be group tours and tour packages that would include dining, overnight stays and other entertainment.
The arts council will share revenue from the project with other local nonprofit groups that agree to provide volunteer support for the showcase.
Others cooperating in the project include the city of Roanoke and Downtown Roanoke Inc.
by CNB