Jay Foster and Gordie Zeigler don't share much in common when it comes to political views.

But together, the Roanoke men co-founded For the Future, a consortium of Roanoke organizations and individuals in favor of building a restaurant and meeting area on Mill Mountain.

"We are political opposites, but we see eye to eye on this," Zeigler said.

On Saturday morning, more than 50 people attended a rally organized by For the Future to support plans to build Rockledge Center.

Approximately half the group hiked to the summit from the bridge on Walnut Avenue.

Bundled in ski jackets, toboggans and mittens, the crowds endured temperatures in the 30s to gather atop Mill Mountain, urging the Roanoke City Council to move forward with plans for a mountaintop restaurant.

From a perch overlooking the valley, residents representing several Roanoke groups and organizations spoke in favor of building the Rockledge Center.

"Our goal was to bring more energy," said Gordie Zeigler, co-founder of For the Future. "We are very passionate about trying to grow the region."

Nicole Hall, a Roanoke native, said she did not return to her roots because of family ties. Instead, the young professional was drawn back to the city by the lure of social amenities, such as the new art museum and proposed amphitheater.

Hall said instead of choosing to live in Asheville, N.C., Charlotte, N.C., or Charlottesville, which are popular among her peers, she recognized Roanoke's "willingness to move forward." Saturday's crowd of all ages and professions illustrated it is not just young professionals who favor the restaurant.

Billye White of Salem recalls visiting the old Rockledge Inn for dances and parties when she was a student nurse in Roanoke. The original structure burned in 1976.

White often brings out-of-town guests to see the Mill Mountain Star. She said she would like to be able to entertain her guests at Mill Mountain, instead of driving somewhere else to eat lunch.

"I fully support it," she said.

White, 78, is impressed by the initiative shown by the members of For the Future and Valley Forward, the young professional advocacy group proposing the Rockledge Center.

"I believe in people taking an interest in where they live," she said. "We are losing young people where we need to retain young people."

Saturday's gathering marked the second time this month area residents took to the mountain seeking support for their cause.

On New Year's Day, Mill Mountain Conservancy, a group opposed to further development on the mountain, assembled, calling for the preservation of the mountain's natural park setting.

"I really think the people of Roanoke are in favor," said city resident Bud Shriver.

"I don't think we are desecrating the mountain."