SALEM, Va. – The city of Salem has new developments in the works intended to bring more foot traffic to the downtown area.
City Council members approved Monday night the sale of the historic West Salem Body Shop.
Brooks Byrd Pharmacy has called downtown Salem home since 1925. Cameron Brooks, the pharmacist, says the reason for their longevity is loyal customers. And he's seen several business come and go over the years.
"There are quite a few empty buildings in the building on the Main Street area it will be nice to have something here," said Brooks.
And the city is listening, the West Salem Body Shop will be renovated to bring more upscale apartments to downtown.
"Rehab it, put at least 10 apartments in that building and then we're hoping for a new restaurant downtown in that space," said Kevin Boggess, Salem city manager.
Along with the new apartments, restaurants and other businesses are making downtown their choice.
"Awful Arthur's is going to redo their restaurant. Taking over a new old space for them. And we also have a new brewery coming in on the same side of the street," said Boggess.
"I think people will travel for restaurants. The better the restaurants you have, the better following you have," said Brooks.
The Staybridge Suites Hotel and restaurant will be built next to the Salem Civic Center.
With the recent announcement of the NCAA pulling the Stagg Bowl from Salem, the city manager says the hotel is still in the plans.
"We believe the demand is there whether we have a couple NCAA weekends are not," said Boggess.
Another property up for discussion is the air rights over the Farmer Market, but city officials say there are no plans to change the layout of that site.