Business News - April 8

Marathon Week is Here 🏃 ⛰️

Author

Joya Garris
April 08, 2025

A busy weekend lies ahead between the marathon and dozens of live music events! Prepare for increased foot traffic and enjoy the festivities.

Today’s Top Three:

  • The Blue Ridge Marathon is this Saturday! Events begin Friday with a Welcome Party & Expo and continue into the weekend.

  • The City of Roanoke is holding two informational Capital Improvement Meetings regarding an upcoming storm drain improvement project along Salem Avenue and 1st Street.

  • An upgrade is scheduled for the Center in the Square garage elevator.

Bonus: A new police sergeant, Sgt. W.E. Laub, has been assigned to the Downtown Unit.

Keep reading to stay informed!  

- Joya Garris, Director of Marketing & Communications

Get Involved

Save the Date: Retail & Restaurant Meeting 📆 

Wednesday, April 16th | 8:30am or 3:30pm | Zoom

It’s that time again! Join us virtually for our Retail & Restaurant Meeting on Wednesday, April 16th. We have two Zoom sessions to choose from. Early birds can jump on the 8:30am call and those working later have the 3:30pm option.

Capital Improvement Project Meeting 🤝 

The City of Roanoke Stormwater Utility is constructing a storm drain project to reduce flood risk around the intersection of Salem Ave and 1st St. starting in April 2025. Stormwater is holding two informational meetings regarding the project. You are invited to attend because your property may be impacted by the construction. The meetings are scheduled for Thursday, April 10th, at 9am and 2pm in the Economic Development Conference Room, located at 117 Church Avenue, across the street from Texas Tavern. You only need to attend one session, as the same information will be presented at both meetings.

Stay Informed

The Blue Ridge Marathon is Saturday! 🏃 

The Blue Ridge Marathon attracts thousands of people and approximately 3,000 runners annually. Known as America’s Toughest Road Marathon, the race is a major celebration of athleticism, human spirit, and the wonderful Blue Ridge Mountains. In addition to races, there will be tons of live music this weekend through Down by Downtown. Expect downtown to be bustling with excitement.

Make sure you check all of the road closures and share them with your residents and employees.

Elevator Upgrade 🛠️ 

PARK Roanoke contracted with an elevator service company to completely modernize the Center in the Square garage elevator with new equipment and and an upgraded cab. Work begins on April 18th and the elevator will be out of operation during the completion of the project. Work is expected to take 10-12 weeks. Additional handicap spaces will be available on the ground level.

Donate with GIVE Roanoke 🫶

Support our GIVE Roanoke campaign! This year, Downtown Roanoke, Inc. is raising money for Downtown Beautification and the Ambassador Program. Our goal is to make Downtown Roanoke clean, welcoming, and vibrant for all. With your support, we hope to continue, and hopefully, grow these programs.

You can invest in your community through April 23, 2025, at 11:59pm.

Delta Dental Party in Elmwood Returns! 🎵 

Purchase your season pass to Delta Dental Party in Elmwood now! The deadline to order is April 30th.

Business Feature: The BiblioPub 📖 

A new business is opening downtown! Later this Spring, a bookstore, bar, and cafe combination will open at 416 Campbell Avenue. The BiblioPub will offer a variety of beverages such as craft beers, wines, tea, and coffee. Food will include sandwiches, soups, and pastries.

Ambassador Update 💙 

We’d like to recognize and extend a huge thank you to Katy Newberry from Artsy June & Gypsypalooza for feeding our Ambassadors lunch on Friday! Your support is greatly appreciated.

We’d also like to shout out all of the downtown businesses that provided food and gifts for the team in the past: Boxwood Lane, The French Farmhouse, Greene Memorial United Methodist Church, Billy’s, and The Little Gallery.

Gain Knowledge & Network

OnBoard|ROA Registration is Open! 📝

Get2KnowNoke’s Onboard|ROA is an eight-week program designed to integrate interns, new hires, and remote workers into the Roanoke community while building crucial career skills. With NACE career readiness courses, social events, and local excursions, participants will not only thrive professionally but also fall in love with the Noke life. Don’t miss out—register today and help your team succeed in Roanoke!

Networking & Career Development Opportunities

Events, Street Closures, & Parking

Downtown Events and Street Closures 🚧

The following street closures and associated events may affect Downtown traffic and business for the week of April 7 - 13.

  • Straight Street Youth Night on Friday, 4/11 & Saturday, 4/12

    • Closure: Luck Ave SW between 3rd St and 4th St

  • RCPS Dedication Ceremony on Friday, 4/11 on Campbell Avenue SW, between 3rd St and 2nd St

  • Down by Downtown on Thursday, 4/10 - Sunday, 4/13 at various locations

    • 4/11 & 4/12 in Elmwood Park

  • Blue Ridge Marathon on Saturday, 4/12 in Elmwood Park and various streets. View closures here.

  • Afro Everything on Saturday, 4/12 at Century Plaza

Check out our Event Calendar for a full list of events.

Find Downtown Parking 🅿️

With more than 1,300 on-street spaces and 7,000+ off-street spaces, plenty of free or paid parking options exist.

DRI - Your Downtown Partner

Put DRI to work for you! 💼

Our mission is to make Downtown Roanoke the preferred place to Work, Live, and Play. As a Downtown business, you have a valuable FREE resource at your fingertips. Let us help share your story!

Website Listings on DowntownRoanoke.org - Our business listings often come up among the first in Google searches. Help us enhance your listing by providing us with vital information including website, phone number, description, hours, menus, and images.

Job Listings on DowntownRoanoke.org - Downtown Roanoke is the most vibrant workplace around and a destination for job seekers. Let us help get the word out when you’re hiring!

Event Listings on DowntownRoanoke.org - Our Event Calendar is THE place people go to find out what’s happening Downtown. Get your event in front of the audience you’re looking for.

Important Contacts 👤

Often businesses need phone numbers for government services, such as solid waste, permitting, etc., and other services, such as private parking and transportation.

Check out our list of frequently requested information!