Business and Economy - The Roanoke Rambler

Business

Roanoke County Tried to Axe Retirement Home's Tax Exemption. A Judge Said No.

The county promptly asked the judge to reconsider the decision involving Friendship Retirement.

Development

With $1 Billion Google Data Center Deal Inked, the Roanoke Valley Enters the Game

Issues abound with one of the state's hottest business topics.

Healthcare

Renderings, Size, Location Part of Fresh Plans for Roanoke's VTC Medical School Expansion

A new headquarters under formal consideration would give the medical school more room and solve a space issue for the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute.

Healthcare

Carilion Decision To End School Nurse Program Catches Roanoke Leaders By Surprise

The partnership between Carilion and Roanoke City Public Schools started in 2011.

Business

As Prosecution Looms, Owner of Run-Down Roanoke Parking Garage Seeks a Buyer

Attorney for garage owner Will Trinkle has persuaded a judge to postpone a trial to allow time for a sale.

Business

Riverdale Fire Destroys Prime Business Building Developer Says Is 'Not Possible' To Rebuild

Though Noke Van initially said the fire left 20 employees without jobs, the company said they plan to keep everyone employed.

Business

Amazon Touts Creation of 400 Jobs at Roanoke Industrial Park Site, Once Tapped for Brewery

Amazon unveiled its first Roanoke facility, which the company says supports 400 part-time jobs.

Business

Historical Railroad Buffs Find New Home for Trains in Roanoke's Norwich Area

The Roanoke chapter of the National Railway Historical Society moved out of its longtime home in the industrial center that is now Riverdale.

Development

Tenants Evicted from Riverdale As Southeast Roanoke Community Takes Shape

Developer Ed Walker has stripped the former Roanoke Industrial Center of junk cars, scrap, chemicals, waste and unwanted tenants.

Outdoors

Mill Mountain Trails To Expand Significantly with First Professional Build, Plans Show

Four miles of new pathways are planned to get underway this spring on Mill Mountain, which has at least 10 miles of trails.

Business

A Tale of Two Malls: Valley View and Tanglewood Plot Routes To Stay Alive in the Age of Amazon

This is the story of two malls and their divergent approaches to dealing with the seismic changes in shopping habits in the 21st century.

Housing

Affordable Housing Complex Proposed For Rescue Mission Land in Southeast Roanoke

Developers propose building a 155-unit apartment complex at the entry of Southeast Roanoke from downtown.

Arts

Roanoke's Black History Museum Plans To Leave Downtown for Melrose Plaza

Center in the Square was not planning on renewing the Harrison museum’s same lease, which is up in 2026.

Development

New Life Proposed for Walker Foundry Land in Apartments, Restaurant, Pickleball Courts

Apartment complex, restaurant and pickleball courts could forge a new community in Roanoke’s Norwich neighborhood.

Business

On Williamson Road, 'Roanoke's First Bin Store' Attracts Weekly Lines of Bargain Hunters

Customers scour through returned and overstocked goods from retailers like Amazon at a new Roanoke store, which replenishes inventory each week.

Economy

Once Roanoke's Sleepy Blue-Collar Neighbor, Vinton Tries Making Itself a Hip Destination

Big things have been happening in Vinton, where $50 million in investment since 2015 has filled once-empty buildings with new restaurants and retail businesses.

Business

FarmBurguesa Among Roanoke Area Restaurants Targeted with Criminal Meals Tax Charges

As part of the enforcement, authorities recently conducted a “till tap” by visiting a city eatery unannounced to seize register cash.

Food Access

One of Roanoke's Few Urban Farms Clinches a Deal To Protect Its Land

A new land ownership model will protect the farm in Northwest Roanoke and enable some financial security for farmer Cameron Terry.