Photo by Matt de Simone
By Matt de Simone
Fincastle Town Council met last week for its monthly meeting at the Volunteer Fire Department’s Training Room highlighted by a public hearing where council unanimously authorized submission of an application for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG).
The town is taking a major step toward revitalizing its historic downtown core with its “2025 Town of Fincastle Downtown Façade Improvements Project.” The proposed project, with a total budget of $1,230,710, seeks $999,710 in CDBG funding from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, alongside a local funding match of $231,000—of which approximately $135,000 will come from property owners.
At the recent council meeting, Bryan Hill of the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission presented an overview of the planned grant application. The proposal supports a range of initiatives outlined in Fincastle’s Economic Restructuring Plan, developed last year as a strategic framework for long-term economic development and preservation.
According to Hill, the grant request focuses primarily on improvements to building façades and the installation of new signage and wayfinding tools. These enhancements are designed to improve the town’s visual appeal, support local businesses, and attract more visitors by making the downtown area more navigable and welcoming.
Hill emphasized that the revitalization project is about more than just beautification—it’s a comprehensive community development effort rooted in public benefit, economic revitalization, and alignment with Fincastle’s long-term planning goals. The project seeks to address physical deterioration, preserve historic character, and enhance the identity of Fincastle’s downtown as both a local hub and a tourist destination.
He briefly went over the definition of physical and economic blight to help put into perspective what the town wants to improve through this grant project. Hill also provided a map featuring an overhead view of the project boundaries. Council members asked Hill questions related to the project regarding definitions and funding.
The heart of the revitalization plan is focused on building façade improvements in the Fincastle Historic District. More than $586,000 is allocated to restore key properties along East Main, West Main, and Roanoke Streets. This includes CDBG contributions totaling $451,100, supplemented by $135,000 in matching funds. Specific buildings slated for upgrades include 5 East Main Street, 10 West Main, 1 East Main, 7 North Roanoke, and several others—many of which are historic structures. These repairs and renovations aim to maintain architectural integrity while enhancing visual appeal and functionality for commercial use.
In addition to façade upgrades, the grant would fund long-term improvements to Expedition Park, a community green space designed to support local business activity and serve as a gathering place during construction and beyond. Phase 2 of park development is estimated at $30,000, split evenly between CDBG funding and local match.
The streetscape component of the project, valued at $223,000, includes enhancements along Courthouse Square and Roanoke Street. These efforts are aimed at improving pedestrian safety and public space aesthetics. An additional $50,000 will be used to repair the historic wall at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church.
The project also includes significant investment in branding and wayfinding infrastructure. A town-funded $35,000 plan will guide the development of wayfinding signage, with another $50,000 in CDBG funds supporting early implementation. These navigational tools will help visitors find key landmarks, businesses, and amenities while reinforcing the town’s historic identity.
A final component of the revitalization project is the development of formal design guidelines for downtown and corridor areas. With $50,000 in total funding, these guidelines will ensure future improvements maintain a cohesive visual and architectural standard.
Supporting costs, including architectural and engineering services, total $104,410. Grant management, to be overseen by the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission, is budgeted at $80,000, fully funded through CDBG.
Town Manager Melanie McFadyen was unable to attend the August meeting due to her participation in the Virginia Women’s Municipal Leadership Institute from August 13-15. She left a detailed report in the meeting’s agenda packet where she shared that the sidewalk construction on Main Street from Monroe to Hancock is expected to begin before Labor Day.
The Fincastle Planning Commission approved Botetourt County’s demolition permit request for the Breckinridge Law Offices and Hotel (LOH), with conditions.
An Aid to Localities grant application was submitted as pass-through funding for the Fincastle Volunteer Fire Department, and the grant for the back-up generator was finalized and submitted with assistance from Daniel Murray of Botetourt EMS.
Last month, council discussed ongoing issues related to the town’s nuisance ordinance, particularly concerning neglected lawns on certain properties. Council members voiced concerns over some of the properties that are being neglected during the warmer weather months. In McFadyen’s report, work is ongoing with nine properties to address nuisance concerns; most have been resolved or are in communication with the town.
Upcoming events in Fincastle include the Gran Fondo Bike Race on August 24 with road closures on Roanoke Street between Murray and Main from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the Historic Fincastle Festival on September 27 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. throughout the town.
