Blacksburg Targets 210 N. Main St. Redevelopment Amid Structural Decay

The historic, four-story building located at 210 N. Main St. in downtown Blacksburg remains vacant and in a state of significant disrepair. Current owner Mao Zijiao acquired the property in 2023, and the site has been subject to maintenance citations for hazards including falling debris and peeling paint. While the town has previously performed emergency repairs on the structure, billing the owner $1,500 for the work, officials continue to push for a more comprehensive rehabilitation to address health and safety concerns. Previous rehabilitation estimates reached $1.5 million, though financial feasibility remains a primary hurdle for potential developers.

Town officials, including Director of Planning and Building Andrew Warren and Deputy Town Manager Matt Hanratty, are leveraging local and state-level incentives—such as historic tax credits, rehabilitation grants, and potential county-level tax breaks—to encourage the property's activation. The building, which historically served as the original home of the Lyric Theatre, is currently listed for sale. The town is simultaneously conducting a broader flood study, supported by a state grant, to assess the impact of underlying creek waters on downtown structures, including this site.