Madison Field Development Sign (3/2/08)

Another new housing community is under development in Roanoke City on the north end of Brambleton Avenue, at the intersection of Overland Road. This one is across the street from Fishburn Park and named “Madison Field.” I gather the name at least partly stems from James Madison Middle School which is also across the street from this new development.

So far only one house is nearing completion in the area. But, several more homes are slated to be built and will form a row extending along a parcel of land that stretches to Welch Road. The community of houses will be predominantly surrounded by natural tree and shrubbery upon completion. Also, according to a preliminary site drawing, a focus of the community will be a rain garden located in the northern section. This development is under design to utilize various forms of green engineering in order to decrease energy costs, and overall lower any adverse effects to the environment.

Madison Field Development in Roanoke (3/2/08)

It appears most homeowners will gain access to their own private or shared driveway via the existing Martin Lane, which may also undergo some construction as a result of this development. Martin Lane is commonly reached by turning from Brambleton Avenue to a right on Welch Road, then another right. The southernmost house will have a driveway connecting directly to nearby Overland Road.

One such house for sale from this community with address 2321 Martin Lane was listed online and carried an asking price of $399,000.

This development has been added to the Update 30 list. This means I’ll be posting updates at least monthly, or as often as necessary to keep up with notable changes I see.

IntroductionTokyo Express is a Japanese Cuisine restaurant located on West Main Street in Salem (in-between Dave Sarmadi Mitsubishi and Hardee’s).

Tokyo Express, 1940 W. Main Street, Salem (Ph 389-6303)

You may remember the building as it used to house a Fazoli’s restaurant. There is plenty of room to eat-in, but for those in a hurry there is also a drive-thru option. Either way, the meal is prepared fresh and tasty in just a couple minutes. You may also call-in an order to be picked up in person.

What I Ordered

Teriyaki Chicken and Broccoli

I have eaten at Tokyo Express before and typically order the Teriyaki Chicken with Broccoli combination meal. This entree also includes sweet carrots and your choice of fried or steamed (white) rice and all for a very reasonable price of $4.75. I must mention also that they provide a delicious sauce with each meal.

Other Specialties

Tokyo Express also has other similar combination meals available in either Teriyaki or Hibachi style and with steak, shrimp, or scallops in place of chicken. These meals range in price from $5.75-7.50. For an even heartier meal, you may order 2 or more of the meats with rice and vegetables in a combination plate. There are also all vegetable and rice meals available as well. Tokyo Express features a full Sushi Bar and they serve beer and wine for dine-in customers.

In a Nutshell

The Teriyaki Chicken with Broccoli is an exceptionally good meal, and at only $4.75 tough to beat in both taste and value. But, there are several other options to choose from for steak and seafood lovers, or those simply wanting a plate of vegetables and rice. Combine this with friendly and fast service and I have no complaints. Tokyo Express receives a high recommendation from Noke News!

A new housing subdivision is under development along Grandin Road between the intersections with Mud Lick and Glen Heather Roads.

'Maple Leaf Farms' New Subdivision on Grandin Road (2/23/08)

Currently, only a single house is being built directly to the right of the entrance. But, a path leading to two cul de sacs is present and the entire land is clear and seemingly ready for building. There is enough available land for over 2 dozen rather large homes to be constructed in this area, perhaps other open lots are under negotiation. I did some searching for information on these homes and I came across one house listing on a Maple Leaf Court. The home features 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms and with a price tag of $699,000!

Maple Leaf Farms Sign at Entrance

A sign near the entrance calls the new development “Maple Leaf Farms” and boasts “Architectural Designs in the Tradition of South Roanoke.” I’m not sure at this point if a road in this new subdivision will connect with the existing Clairmont Road, which in-turn connects to Mud Lick Road.

(EDIT: The Maple Leaf Farms project has been updated for the following month of April 2008.)

This development has been added to the Update 30 list. This means I’ll be posting updates at least monthly, or as often as necessary to keep up with notable changes I see.

In a previous post I wrote about what appeared to be a new Little Caesars restaurant opening up along Brandon Avenue, across the street from the Towers Shopping Center.

New Little Caesars on Brandon Avenue (3/2/08)

I’m now able to say that this was confirmed as the sign on the front of the building has been put up.

It appears like the restaurant is preparing to open soon, perhaps by the end of March or sometime in April. I have also read that this restaurant will have a drive-thru window.

As a child back in the early to mid 1990s, I remember a restaurant used to be at Cave Spring Corners and my family would order pizza for pickup nearly once a week. Then, for several years Little Caesars had seemingly vanished from the Valley (aside from a couple Kmart stores I’m told) and now the restaurant is making a comeback.

There’s been more than one instance where I’ve found myself making a meal out of just 1 or 2 bags of Crazy Bread.

(EDIT 4/22/08) - The restaurant is officially open for business and does feature a drive-thru. 

New Welcome Sign On Brandon Avenue (3/2/08)

Along the more prominent thoroughfares, and at the Roanoke City lines, new ‘Welcome’ signs have sprouted. I first noticed them in late February and must say they are rather attractive. Prior to these I remember smaller, modest metal signs existed at some locations. And, along secondary roads these simple metal signs are still present.

The picture to the right was taken along Brandon Avenue in between McDonald’s and Mike’s Country Market.

The other picture below and to the left is from Route 419/Electric Road near Tanglewood Mall and just before the junction with I-581 and Route 220.

New Welcome Sign On Electric Road (3/2/08)

Original Metal Sign

I applaud this move by the city as I think these signs offer a more contemporary look and a pleasing appearance. During a sunny day they also tend to give off a reflective shine. I have no idea as to the cost for producing or installing these signs, but I would think it quite minimal in return for having a presentable introduction to the area.