Roanoke Downtown Historic District

Roanoke Downtown Historic District is a protected neighborhood in downtown Roanoke containing approximately 144 primary buildings. These structures include commercial buildings, civic spaces, and financial institutions spanning several city blocks, representing architectural styles from the late 1800s through the mid-20th century.

The district emerged after the Norfolk & Western Railway arrived in the early 1880s, transforming Roanoke into a major transportation hub. Most of its buildings were constructed between the late 1880s and early 1900s as the city expanded rapidly around the railroad.

The district serves today as a gathering space where people shop, dine, and attend local events. The architecture and street layout reflect how a railroad city developed its downtown character over generations.

You can walk through the district on your own, with signs and maps helping you locate the various architectural styles and key sites. The best times to visit are the mild seasons when you can comfortably explore outdoors and enjoy any local events happening in the area.

The Thomas B. Mason Building stands as a notable landmark representing the final major construction project before the district's economic shift in the early 1960s. This structure marks a turning point between the period of rapid growth and when the city began moving in different directions.

Location: Roanoke

GPS coordinates: 37.27060,-79.94330

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:45