By Meg Hibbert
Contributing Writer
City officials and developers showed off the new luxury Valleydale Apartments in Salem’s East Bottom at a July 30 ribbon cutting.
More than 100 people turned out to see the $25-million-development’s first of three buildings planned on Ohio and Indiana Avenue where former Valleydale Meat Packing plant produced ham, bacon and other pork products from 1936 until it closed in 2006. Total investment is estimated at $75 million in the former industrial area.
The apartments feature ultra-modern architecture, an infinity pool with waterfall, roof deck, physical fitness area, billiards room, simulated golf, a turf golf park and cornhole area. There are also work from home spaces, outdoor fire pits and barbecue areas and a turf dog park.
Listed rents range from $1,565 a month for a one-bedroom with 719 square foot unit, and up to $2,200 for a two-bedroom, two bath apartment. Previously listings included a price of $1,400 for an efficiency, but that does not show on Valleydale’s current listing.
Valleydale Apartments manager Dolly Hodges said “In my 31-year-career, this is the most stunning property I’ve ever leased or worked on.” She said 63 percent of the 95 apartments have been occupied since May.
Developer Joe Thompson said, “I believe it is the highest-quality apartment complex between Richmond and Charlotte.” Thompson, who lives in Charlotte, is Roanoke developer Ed Walker’s partner in the project. Walker worked on the project for eight years, starting with the dilapidated former plant he had hopes of using and adapting.
Walker praised Salem City Councilmembers and officials, noting he worked on the project with three Councils and city managers and the city’s Economic Development Authority since starting in 2017. He first tried to save the building, Walker said. A massive brass V from the old plant is mounted as wall art in one of the reception areas.
“Councilman Randy Foley and then-City Manager Kevin Boggess came to me” about developing the Valleydale property, Walker said
Current Mayor Renee Turk said “The quality of what you see around you and the amenities involved is something Salem, its citizens and and the whole Roanoke Valley can be proud of…We look forward to welcoming a large number of people to come and live with us in Salem.” And she added, “The apartments add vitality to this neighborhood.”
Turk recalled walking through “a very fragmented building with no outside windows,” referring to the old meat packing plant.
Among those cutting the ribbon with her were Vice Mayor AnneMarie Green and Councilmen Randy Foley and Hunter Holliday, along with representatives of the Salem-Roanoke Chamber of Commerce and G & H Contracting, who built the project.
After the ribbon cutting, former Councilmember Jane Johnson said, “I prayed for years that Ed Walker would take a look at Salem. My prayers were answered. We’re going to do great things.”
One of the first residents is Ally Brown, a Roanoke College student who lives in a two-bedroom apartment on the fourth floor with her boyfriend Lewis Edwards.
She moved to Valleydale on May 15, “Because I wanted to stay in the area. It’s absolutely perfect. Everything is very high quality,” she said.
