ROANOKE CO, Va.—
Some big changes are coming to a major development across from Tanglewood Mall in Roanoke County.
South Peak is located on a hill off of Route 220.
Tuesday, the developers plan to ask Roanoke County Supervisors permission to build more condos, fewer homes.
This development has been dormant for nearly 8 years.
Infrastructure issues and the recession were the main reasons.
Even the developers acknowledge they never thought it would take this long for construction to begin.
"It's one of those things you're waiting, waiting, and waiting and all of sudden it comes out and you see these drawings taking life," said Gene Whitesell, development manager for Smith/Packett.
Construction started earlier this year on the first condominium building.
Eventually, developers plan to build four more that will house a total of 176 condos.
They'll range from $200,000 up to $600,000 and despite the struggling economy, there's already plenty of interest.
"Early on with construction even before things we're coming out of the ground we were getting calls of people coming, wanting to come up here to take a look," said Whitesell.
The developers won't start construction on the second building until half of the first building is leased.
In addition to the condos, the developers plan to build 23 single family homes in these woods behind the Lowe's.
That work should begin in about a year.
There's also a retail component to South Peak, it will take up most of the front part of the hill, closest to Route 220.
Within a year, construction will begin on a new Hilton Garden Hotel and office park.
There also plans for several restaurants in the retail section.
Cracker Barrel had shown interest but we're told they've pulled out.
The developers are talking to two restaurant chains not currently in the Roanoke Valley.
They wouldn't name them but we're told they are higher end eateries.
Roanoke County Supervisors will take up the rezoning request at its Tuesday night meeting beginning at 7 P.M.
