ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, April 2, 1997 TAG: 9704020022
SECTION: BUSINESS PAGE: B-6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JENNIFER HUANG THE ROANOKE TIMES
Renovations under way at several stores are expected to breathe fresh life into the area.
``Yes we are open. Please enter here," says the handwritten sign by the front door. Its owners don't want customers, driving down commercialized Williamson Road, to mistakenly think Roy L. Webber Florist is closed.
The shop at 4000 Williamson, owned by Bob and Gladys Webber Morris, is being remodeled and restored to its original design so that its sales area will resemble a small house. Several additions since the store opened in the 1940s have been removed, and existing areas will be modernized.
"We've taken off all the old additions, and we're giving a face lift to existing areas," Bob Morris said. "We wanted old parts torn down because they were worn out. After awhile, you just can't patch things up anymore."
The general contractor, Building Specialists Inc., is creating an entry and greenhouse, expanding the floral design area, adding a shipping, receiving and loading facility, and upgrading mechanical and electrical systems.
The estimated $125,000 to $200,000 renovation of Webber Florist is in the rough stages and won't be finished until mid-May. The demolition of several old greenhouses, unused for 10 years, started in February and paused for Valentine's Day, one of the store's busiest. The new front will highlight windows full of flowers and plants, suggesting the facade of a greenhouse The shop will feature a green shingled roof, white vinyl siding and a landscaped exterior.
Renovation of the florist comes at the same time as several other improvements to properties along Williamson.
"We wanted the renovation in scale with the neighboring stores," said Sven Shockey, a project manager at Building Specialists. "People coming through say the idea that stores will develop instead of becoming run down is a positive thing for this area."
"We've had this renovation on our minds for a number of years, and we've finally decided that this was the time to do it," said Bob Morris.
"The customers are really eager to see the rebirth of Webber Florists," Shockey said. "And spring is an appropriate time."
LENGTH: Medium: 51 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: CARY BEST/THE ROANOKE TIMES. 1. Nolan Gill (with saw inby CNBphoto at left) and John Snead make custom-fitted rafters Tuesday for
Webber's new roof. 2. Electrician Steve Powers (below) puts together
a circuit box at the side of the building. color.