Spectrum Design

One of the redesign features for Roanoke's Center in the Square includes a rooftop cafe and patio atop the 90-year-old building.

Spectrum Design

Center in the Square's redesign features include a new entrance atrium that will include environmental displays. The makeover is expected to cost some $27 million.

Center in the Square asked the Roanoke City Council on Monday for $4 million to help fund its proposed new $27 million makeover.

"Today we come before you with an inspiring plan and a unique opportunity," said center President Jim Sears. "We must continue the dreams of our leaders and the past founders of Center."

The funding request comes at a time, however, when the city faces a pending decrease in state funding as well as declining sales tax returns.

Center in the Square recently announced plans for $18 million to $20 million in renovations to its 90-year-old building, including significant changes to the atrium and facade. The project also would move the Roanoke Weiner Stand around the corner and include a rooftop cafe/patio and environmental exhibits.

The remainder of the $27 million would fund improvements to the Science Museum of Western Virginia and install the Harrison Museum of African American Culture in space to be vacated by the Art Museum of Western Virginia this fall.

Much of the project cost could be covered by grants and historic tax credits as the building's original, high-windowed facade is restored, project backers say.

Center in the Square's tenants have been generally supportive of the plan. On Monday, council members seemed impressed as well, but said the funding request will have to go through the city budget process.

Councilwoman Gwen Mason said the center's presentation, which included architects' renderings and a virtual tour, was "imaginative and a little vertigo-inducing." She particularly liked the revamped lobby and "green" roof design.

She stopped short, however, of promising any money.

"As we wrestle with a somewhat unpleasant budget year coming up, we'll take it under advisement," Mason said.

Mayor Nelson Harris made similar comments. He said that with the new art museum, changes to the City Market Building and the Center in the Square proposal, downtown Roanoke will soon be beset with "a tremendous amount of energy."

"I think a few years from now we'll see a total sea change in activity and visitors and economic activity," Harris said.

But he also deferred the requests to the city's budget process.

Also seeking city funding Monday were representatives of the city's YMCA facilities, who asked the council for $600,000 over three years to help fund $2.5 million in renovations at the Family Center and Kirk Family YMCA locations.

Cal Johnson, executive director of the Roanoke Valley YMCA, said that work is already under way to expand locker rooms, expand the wellness center and add a new child-watch area and roof at the Family Center YMCA. Work there should be complete by July, he said.

Meanwhile, the YMCA also plans to expand the wellness center and teen room at the Kirk Family YMCA, with work expected to commence by the end of summer, Johnson said.

The Center in the Square and YMCA requests, totaling $4.6 million, come as the city faces what Sherman Stovall, director of the city's budget department, called the "most challenging" budget he's ever faced in his 14 years in the department.

While local tax revenues have increased slightly, the city is facing a substantial loss of state funding because of lowered revenue projections. The state cut $362,000 from its funding to Roanoke this budget year, with more cuts likely to come next year.

"The sky is not falling on us in the current year. [But] the upcoming year is more challenging," said Roanoke Finance Director Jesse Hall.

The tough times aren't deterring Center in the Square's advocates, however. Despite the center's losing its funding from the state this year, Sears said it's a good time to put the renovation plan forward.

"Our feasibility study regarding the total fundraising efforts demonstrated the capital money may be out there for us," Sears said.

He said the city's appropriation could be spread over a number of years. "It's vitally needed."