ROANOKE (WSLS 10) - Former Governor Linwood Holton came home to help preserve his legacy for future Roanokers on Friday.
Holton, his wife Virginia "Jinks" Holton and daughter Anne helped plant the first tree, a dogwood, in what will become Holton Plaza.
The green space on Franklin Road will feature seat walls with Holton quotes.
Construction will begin in the spring.
Holton, who famously integrated Virginia schools, started his law and political careers and family in Roanoke.
"All four of my children were born here. We're all thrilled to have this recognition and having a little spot we can call our own in the middle of downtown Roanoke," said Linwood Holton, former Governor of Virginia.
Holton, 93, was born in Big Stone Gap and retired to Virginia's Northern Neck.
He is the father-in-law of Senator and former Democratic Vice Presidential Nominee Tim Kaine.