ROANOKE, Va. – Revitalization efforts are underway in one of Roanoke's historic neighborhoods. Several worn down buildings in the Wasena area will no longer be an eyesore. This is happening as more businesses are moving into the high-traffic area.

Monica Moses says relocating her tattoo business to the Wasena neighborhood was a great move.

"Definitely more walk-ins. And since it is a higher traffic area. I'll definitely see more people stopping in and looking in the window and checking me out," said Moses, owner of Electric Eye Custom Tattoos.

Moses left her space in the 16 West building in downtown Roanoke four months ago for more space to display her art and to bring in another tattoo artist. She's hoping to see other business join her throughout the historic neighborhood.

"I'd love to see some vintage shops here another coffee shop. I want this to be a little nice walking area again. Like it used to be used years ago," Moses said.

The Wasena neighborhood has seen better days but help is on the way. Garland Properties is in the process of renovating three buildings on Main Street. The once-neglected buildings will become restaurants or retail shops.

"This is a neighborhood center and one that's been blighted for a very long time. It really was just the opportunity and there was a family that owned these properties for a really long time and they decided to sell," said Aaron Garland of Garland Properties.

Andre Hairston says he is interested in one of the properties.

"I seen somebody at this building here and I thought I would consult him to see who owns this building here. And, just so happens, he owns all three," Andre Hairston said.

He's hoping to bring a barbeque restaurant to the area.

"You're walking distance. Especially Monday through Saturday, people are running at the track out here. I think it will do well here," Hairston said.

This year, the Blacksnake Meadery moved from Carroll County to Wasena and The Barbershop on Main opened a year ago.



Garland Properties says they are hoping to have a new business secured by the end of this year.

Renovations will start in the spring.

