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MISSION STATEMENT ● HISTORY OF OSW ● OFFICERS & BOARD OF DIRECTORS ● OSW COMMITTEES ● PRIVACY STATEMENT |
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ABOUT US
Old Southwest, Inc. Mission Statement To make Old Southwest a better place to live, work, and visit promoting a healthy and safe environment, embracing the diversity among our population, recognizing the historical significance of individual properties and the neighborhood as a whole, promoting the urban lifestyle that our neighbors appreciate, contributing to the friendly village setting that is hospitable and inclusive, supporting the commerce of our neighborhood and the city, recognizing that the 32 acre Highland Park is a treasure that our homes surround, and ensuring our real estate investments are secure. In matters of use, development, restoration, renovation and maintenance of properties in the neighborhood, we will support the enforcement of the City of Roanoke's Architectural Review Board guidelines, zoning ordinances, and other applicable sections of the City Code. We will partner with other organizations and governmental agencies to ensure our success. Old Southwest, Inc. is an active organization which began in the 1970’s as Old Southwest Neighborhood Alliance. Formed to coordinate efforts to save the neighborhood from further destruction (22 buildings were razed in one year), Old Southwest, Inc., remains vigilant and involved on a daily basis on issues affecting the health of the neighborhood. The Old Southwest Christmas Parlor Tour, begun in 1979 and usually held the first weekend in December, is the organization’s pride and joy. Showcasing both individual structures and the neighborhood as a whole, each year homeowners and businesses open their doors to the public, sharing the holiday spirit. The Parlor Tour is the primary fundraising event, as well as the most festive social event, and enables Old Southwest, Inc., to carry out other projects throughout the year. Since its beginning, Old Southwest, Inc., has achieved many goals. The Alexander/Gish House, at the rear of Highland Park, was saved from demolition. Restoration and rehabilitation continue as funds allow and some funds are generated through rentals to the public for meetings and social events. Old Southwest, Inc. has been instrumental in the preservation and improvement of 32-acre Highland Park, including reforestation, installation of brick walkways, a stage for gatherings, and the roadway which winds through the park. Argonne Circle, on King George Avenue, has been an ongoing project of Old Southwest, Inc. for many years and is a delightful small park. A late 1800’s gazebo from the 200 block of Mountain Avenue has been restored and placed near the Alexander/Gish house. Many Old Southwest, Inc. projects have been made possible through a combination of labor donated by residents coupled with Community Development Block Grants.
Rebuilding the Community Old Southwest, Inc. was a staunch advocate for the rehabilitation of Highland Park School, now a state-of-the-art magnet school and learning center where elementary children explore the world through computers and satellite links with the world, in addition to traditional methods. The school, slated to be closed in the late 1980’s, and probably to be torn down, was rehabilitated in 1989-90, and is now a center of activity in the neighborhood. As part of its ongoing learning and teaching goals, Old Southwest, Inc. holds memberships in local, state, and national civic and preservation organizations, including Roanoke Neighborhood Partnership, Downtown Roanoke, Inc., Neighborhoods USA, The Preservation Alliance of Virginia, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. When funds permit, Old Southwest, Inc. pays registration fees for representatives to attend workshops and forums. The primary goal of Old Southwest, Inc. is to monitor the neighborhood, to ensure that progress continues and that detrimental actions, which might undermine progress, are not taken, and to maintain the economic and social health of the neighborhood through education and understanding. In short, to make sure that Old Southwest continues to be a wonderful place in which to live, work, play, and visit.
Get Involved Click here to find out how to join and get involved. The Historic Old Southwest neighborhood, just a few minutes walk from Downtown Roanoke, is a living celebration of history, architecture, and the new “urban pioneer” spirit. Residents from all walks of life live and work together, experiencing a sense of belonging very much like their predecessors did years ago. In addition to the residential population, businesses, churches, restaurants, and the Highland Park Higher Learning Center share historic Old Southwest, representing the very best of neighborhood life in America. Old Southwest, Inc. is an active not-for-profit organization which began in the 1970’s as the Old Southwest Neighborhood Alliance. Formed to coordinate efforts to save the neighborhood from further destruction (22 buildings were razed in one year), Old Southwest, Inc., remains vigilant and involved on a daily basis on issues affecting the health and promotion of the of the neighborhood. Old Southwest, Inc. membership to open to permanent residents of the neighborhood, tenants, neighborhood business and property owners, as well any persons that wish to support the overall mission of our organization. |
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