Shenandoah Building getting a makeover - WSLS 10 NBC in Roanoke/Lynchburg Va

Shenandoah Building getting a makeover

It has been part of downtown Roanoke for more than a century and now the Shenandoah Building is getting a face lift.

"The space is just spectacular when you see the views out of the windows," said Richmond Developer Bill Chapman.

He bought the building and is in the process of converting the long time office space into 89 apartments.

Chapman gave WSLS a tour inside the historic building, highlighting the terrazzo floors, high ceilings, and natural light.

"It's probably the best if not one of the best buildings in the city of Roanoke," he said. "Over 440 windows which gives us a lot of flexibility in floor plans."

The majority of the apartments will be one bedroom and studios. There's also built-in retail space on the ground floor for businesses.

Chapman is no stranger to the Star City.

He built and developed the Lofts and West Station and the Fulton Motor Lofts on Salem Avenue.

But Chapman said the $10.5 million Shenandoah Building project is a different animal.

"The buildings on Salem Avenue are big open warehouses," he said. "You could walk right in there and see exactly what you had so a lot of the guesswork was taken care of in pre-planning. That's not the case here."

A new name will accompany the renovated building. That will be announced next month.

Construction is expected to wrap up by the end of July.