VINTON, Va – Two years ago, the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors voted to redevelop the historic Roland E. Cook School in a way that will not affect the charm of the neighborhood.
The complete project was revealed to the public with a grand opening today.
"The bath and the walk-through closet off of our bedroom was actually the coat closet used for the children," said Doug Forbes.
This room brings back special memories for Doug Forbes. It was his elementary school 70 years ago.
"In this building here, there's only one two-bedroom apartment and you're in it," Forbes said.
Forbes and his wife are days away from moving into their own place in this historic building.
"Well, we are part of the history. So this is the place for us to finish out our lives in the town of Vinton," Forbes said.
The Roland E. Cook School was closed down and shuttered for almost 18 years. The Forbes family worked for years to come up with a plan to bring the past back to life.
"You wouldn't think about making your school into an apartment. In the past, Vinton didn't have apartments. Most everyone had houses," Forbes said.
The lofts were designed with lots of upgraded features but a feeling of the history of the building was kept by having the old chalkboards in all 21 lofts.
Dr. Deedie Kagey was the principal of the school from 1994 to 1999.
"I'm a history person and so history is important to me. And I wanted to be back where I knew everybody will be back and come to honor this building and what happened in this building. A lot of education happened here," Kagey said.
County administrators and Vinton officials hope the redeveloped building adds more value and growth for downtown living. They believe the historic town is growing and thriving and the Roland E. Cook lofts are a step in continuing the effort.
There are still lofts available, but there are only four of the 21 left to rent.