Center in the Square

Center in the Square was conceived in 1977 after a group of citizens recognized the following needs:

• Revitalization of downtown Roanoke

• Central accessibility for arts organizations

• Enhancement of children's education

• Economic development in the region

• Improvement in the quality of life in western and central Virginia

Center in the Square opened December 9, 1983, welcoming 40,000 visitors its first weekend, fulfilling a community dream to revitalize a decaying downtown and boost the arts through a downtown cultural center. The organizations housed here have flourished in this location, as has the surrounding historic market area and downtown Roanoke . The adaptive reuse and preservation of the abandoned but historic building has garnered numerous awards. The five original organizations have grown significantly and are now known as the Art Museum of Western Virginia , The Arts Council of the Blue Ridge , The History Museum & Historical Society of Western Virginia, Mill Mountain Theatre, and the Science Museum of Western Virginia and Hopkins Planetraium .

In 1988, the Foundation obtaine d d onations and pledges of more than $3 million, including a state grant of $1.5 million, to purchase and remodel an adjoining building, now called Center on Church, which was completed in 1990.

In 1997, Center was ready to grow again and this time added two new beneficiary organizations: Opera Roanoke and Roanoke Ballet Theatre, Inc. Both provided significant cultural opportunities to the community, but both were struggling to afford their housing. In keeping with our mission, Center pays the rent -- including custodial, maintenance, and security services -- for their space at the Jefferson Center.

In a partnership with Roanoke City , the Commonwealth of Virginia , and Mill Mountain Theatre, Center in the Square purchased and renovated the former Shenandoah Hotel in 2000. This structure, on a prominent corner of the historic downtown Market area, had become dilapidated after being abandoned for many years. Renovations returned the structure to productive use, this time for Mill Mountain Theatre, to house visiting artists and expand its educational programs. The first floor is retail space, preserving the character of the Market and bolstering the local business community.

In October 2003, Center in the Square completed the renovation of the historic Norfolk & Western Passenger Station in downtown Roanoke . Redesigned in 1947 by noted industrial designer Raymond Loewy, the station serves as a home to the O. Winston Link Museum and Raymond Loewy Galleries of the History Museum and Historical Society of Western Virginia.

The Visitors Center as well as the Roanoke Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau provide a complement to the Museum and return the station to its role as the region's gateway. The Convention and Visitors Bureau is a rent-paying tenant in the facility and Center has continued the relationship it has with the History Museum by providing its space in the Passenger Station free of charge.