A 100-year-old landmark turned arts & cultural complex at the center of downtown Roanoke was reinvented to meet the demands of 21st century exhibits and guests.
Center In The Square
In 1980, Center in the Square was created to re-energize a depressed downtown. Over the next 30 years, this center of museums, galleries and performing venues set the standard for urban renewal. After decades of use, the building needed a complete replacement of all building systems as well as upgrades to bring the facility into modern times. The renovations include a multi-level rooftop addition, butterfly habitat, technology garden with photovoltaic panels, and a live 5,000-gallon coral reef aquarium. Large operable walls in the lobby allow the building to extend into an adjacent plaza for large events. A substantial portion of the funding for the project was made possible through state and federal historic tax credits. The project is also LEED certified.
