VINTON, Va. (WFXR) — After a large blaze damaged several properties, in Downtown Vinton in July 2022, the town announced that demolition will begin on April 3rd.
Starting Monday, properties damaged at 206 and 208 on South Pollard Street and 103 and 107 and East Lee Avenue will be demolished. Last summer, the fire impacted multiple businesses including D.R. Music, Pollard and Rustic Creations, and the George Nester Edward Jones Investment office leaving an estimated $1.5 million in damages.
Mayor Brad Grose says this event was tough for the community and shares how excited he is for the future of the area.
“I hope this is an opportunity for Vinton to make the most of a bad situation to build back and make this corner of our downtown more vibrant than ever,” said Mayor Brad Grose.
The process is expected to last about four to six weeks to ensure the thorough removal of unsafe structures and debris. As a result, both lanes on the 100 block of East Lee Avenue will be closed during the process. The westbound lanes will reopen on Tuesday, April 4th, and a detour will be in place.
During the process, the evaluation of adjacent properties will be determined. Many of the buildings share walls, which can cause subsequent buildings to be structurally affected. Vinton leaders say they are working with property owners, nearby businesses, and private contractors to keep the project on track.
The Town has been working with involved parties since day one of the fire and we will continue to assist witht this process to make it as safe and speedy as possible. Public safety is out utmost priorty,”
said Town Manager, Richard Peters.
All businesses along East Lee Avenue and in the area will remain open and will be accessible while the demolition is underway. There will be free public parking available at the Vinton Farmers Market and Vinton Baptist Church.
