Brownfields
Success Story
A Renovated Building
Gets Back to Its Roots
Roanoke, Virginia
Constructed in the grand art deco motifs popular in American architecture
at the time, the Ponce de Leon Hotel opened in downtown Roanoke, Virginia
in 1931. Built near Lick Run Spring, which supplied trout served at the hotel
restaurant, the Ponce de Leon remained open for 40 years.
In 1971, new owners repurposed and renovated the property into an office
building. The newly named Crystal Tower Building was headquarters to a
community action agency that offered education and training to low-income
residents in the city. In the years before the agency vacated the space in 2011, it
became clear the site would soon undergo another major change.
The Assessment and Renovations
In 2008, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded the City
of Roanoke a $200,000 Brownfield Assessment Grant to help cover a Phase I
Environmental Site Assessment of the property. The assessment revealed no
major environmental hazards, clearing the way for renovations.
In 2012, a new owner purchased the property and spent $10 million to convert
the building into a mixed-use residential and commercial complex, uncovering
and reimaging many of its classic features.
The Benefits
By funding assessments that led the way to redevelopment, EPA helped launch
an effort to revitalize downtown Roanoke, with the Ponce de Leon at the
forefront. Aimed at attracting young professionals, the building reopened in
2014, featuring 90 apartments for rent, a private fitness center, a rooftop terrace
and approximately 8,800 square feet of commercial space.
By mixing residential, office, retail and food service space, the Ponce de Leon
now encourages neighbors to come together and interact as a community.
&EPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
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A view from the Ponce de Leon's rooftop
terrace. Built with young professionals in
mind, the complex also features a private
fitness center.

EPA Grant Recipient:
City of Roanoke, Virginia
EPA Grant Type:
Brownfield Assessment
Former Uses: Hotel, Office Building
Current Uses: Mixed-Use Residential
and Commercial Space
This project is a
prime example of what
a redevelopment can
do to help revitalize a
downtown area. 99
Felicia Fred,
EPA Region J Project Officer
For more information:
Visit the EPA Brownfields website at
www.epa.gov/brownfields or contact
Felicia Fred at Fred.Felicia@epa.gov.
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October 20T?

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