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.

When I travel to and through the downtown area I usually approach via Salem Avenue. And over the past several months I have noticed activity going on over near the railroad tracks at an area known in Roanoke as Warehouse Row.

Warehouse Row is basically a string of old buildings from the earlier days of downtown Roanoke.  The old fashioned brick and mortar kind of builings. And, for as long as I can remember some of the buildings have been vacant.

But, that appears to be changing for a few buildings. Let’s check it out in pictures (at least from the outside):

At the western end along Norfolk Avenue there is a sign on one of the buildings that calls a section of the area as Row By The Rail. This is a project by a local realtor to renovate some of the buildings into rather upscale living enviornments.

And the first noticeable aspect is the colorful paint jobs that differentiate each of the buildings.

The colors are what first caught my eye. And on the backside (the side facing the railroad tracks) each building also has the appearance of fresh, clean paint.

Back to the front and approaching the entrance, there is both stairs and ramp access.

The elevated walkway leads to the front doors of each place. The walkway continues the entire length of Warehouse Row.

Windows above feature a windowsill with blooming flowers.

Walking a bit further.

Walking down another set of stairs and away for a better view.

Back to the walkway and continuing walking. I’m not sure to what extent the next couple buildings are occupied. Towards the end is office space, including the white building of the corporate headquarters of HSMM AECOM, an architectural and engineering firm which was founded in Roanoke.

As I leave, stepping aside again for an overall view of the eastern end of Warehouse Row, with the Wachovia Tower and Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Bridge in the background.