Noke News explores parts of Roanoke by foot, equipped with a camera and a notepad, in hopes of learning something new. Perhaps you will too.

For the first in this new series of posts, I walked a stretch of about 1700 ft of Wells Avenue (which turns into Kimball Avenue towards the end) from the intersection at Gainsborough Road to Commonwealth Avenue. This road provides access to the primary entrance of The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center. I already knew of the distinguishing crosswalks along this road, which feature a brick design, but I was pleasantly surprised at what else I encountered. Let’s check it out.

Historic Gainsboro Sign Located at Intersection of Gainsborough Road and Wells Avenue

The journey starts at the intersection with Gainsborough Road and continues west along Wells Avenue. The first thing you will notice is a prominent sign which relates this road as being part of Historic Gainsboro.

So, what does that mean?

Some minor research led me to information from the Roanoke City website that says:

Gainsboro, Roanoke’s oldest community, is part of the overall neighborhood fabric of Roanoke and its boundaries are designated by the Railroad, Orange Avenue NW, Williamson Road NE and Fifth Street NW.

Also from the Roanoke City page, I learned of the Historic Gainsboro Preservation District, Inc, a group that is working towards preserving and revitalizing the area I explored.

Sidewalk along Wells Avenue in Roanoke

As I continued walking west, on the same side of the road matching the flow of traffic, the first item of note was the sidewalk itself. The entire length of the this road is bordered, on both sides, by a sidewalk which is laid with thoughtfully placed bricks to form a design.

Crosswalk Along Wells Avenue in Roanoke

The brick design is continued even along the crosswalks at intersections, and thus make up part of the road. If traveling this road by car you will notice these crosswalks existing as a slight bump or deviation from the regular pavement.

Continuing west, the next notable mark was in the form of a plaque that’s embedded into the sidewalk (located a short distance before the intersection with Jordan Alley) that reads:

28 WELLS AVENUE, N.W.
SITE OF THE FIRST AFRICAN-AMERICAN YOUNG MEN’S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION (YMCA)
FOUNDED IN 1928 WITH L.A. LEE, DIRECTOR

Soon after this marker, I came upon the intersection with North Jefferson Street. And it’s here where I crossed the street and continued walking west along the sidewalk, this time in the direction facing oncoming traffic. Just ahead is the first of two quaint areas, what I would describe simply as sitting spaces.

Sitting Space Located on Wells Avenue

This first one is a gazebo of sorts, providing a covered and shady area adjacent to the sidewalk. This space is complete with two park benches, on opposite sides from each other. This sitting space is surrounded by a mixture of decorative shrubbery and flowers.

This is a very serene and simple space, and provides a unique outlook onto Wells Avenue and the nearby comings and goings of The Hotel Roanoke.

The next area, a short distance ahead, is essentially an alternate route of the sidewalk which vears to the left and then comes back around to reconnect.

Alternate Sidewalk & Sitting Space Along Wells Avenue

There is a slight incline and the walk is bordered by a modest brickwall that guides the way. At the top of the incline are 2 benches generously spaced apart, as well as room for standing and gathering without blocking the primary sidewalk.

Historic Gainsboro Sign at Intersection of Wells and Commonwealth Avenues

As I come to the end of Wells Avenue, I reach the intersection with Commonwealth Avenue (which is at the main entrance to The Hotel Roanoke).  Another inviting “Historic Gainsboro” sign was present, and nestled quietly amongst a small garden of flowers. A fitting end to a wonderfully thoughtful walk.