VINTON (WSLS10)-- People in the Town of Vinton will soon have a new place to eat, both Vinton and Roanoke County have approved plans for a Macado's Restaurant in the old library building. The restaurant is set to be finished by this time next year and is just the latest in a series of major developments and upgrades in the town.
Richard Peters, the Assistant Town Manager and Director of Economic Development, says the redevelopment and new projects all started with the new library being built. He says it's something that caused a lot of developers to take notice. Now, the first microbrewery in town, Twin Creeks Brewing Company, is set to open on South Pollard street early this fall.
Nearly 100 new apartments are in the works as well. The old William Byrd High School building is being transformed into 70 one and two bedroom apartments, which are set to open next year. The Roland E. Cook School is being renovated into 20 loft-style apartments that are set to open in the summer of 2017. With more people moving into the area, even more new restaurants could be in the works as well.
"We are looking to attract other complimentary businesses, particularly restaurants," says Peters. "We don't want to compete with what's here, the brick and mortar restaurants, but we're looking to expand opportunities for food trucks and other complimentary restaurants that can provide another offering to the residents in town and also be a draw for visitors to come to Vinton to dine and shop."
Macado's is expected to close on the old library property in August. Construction on the restaurant is set to start right away, with it opening to the public in spring or early summer of 2017.
Meanwhile, a series of street improvements and facade upgrades are also giving a fresh look to the town that was founded more than 130 years ago.
With all of the wedding venues and events that happen in the Town of Vinton, many believe a hotel is also needed. A hotel feasibility study is complete, and town leaders are working with Roanoke County and developers in hopes of soon announcing the first hotel for Vinton.
"There's a lot of discussion about what's next for Vinton," says Peters. "It's not about transforming Vinton into something it's not, it's about capitalizing on what makes Vinton great. It's the quality of life. We're capitalizing on the small town feel with events and activities we have going on and increasing those opportunities."
Peters says the town is working hard to make sure that any new businesses will fit in with what's already in town, allowing the entire economy to profit from the growth and changes.