At over 1.8 MSF, Roanoke’s investor-owned downtown office inventory has seen an uptick in leasing activity since the start of 2024, and net absorption numbers have rebounded to prepandemic levels. As 2025 draws to a close, large blocks of contiguous office space are in short supply, and recent offerings have seen strong interest from a variety of companies drawn specifically to the amenity-rich downtown area.

Downtown Roanoke is unique in its immediate access to outdoor recreation and activities, centered on the Roanoke River Greenway, an urban trail that connects parks and residential areas to shopping and dining. The highly walkable city center is known for a vibrant mix of music venues, restaurants, and breweries, as well as rich cultural experiences like the Taubman Museum of Art, the largest museum in southwestern Virginia, and Center in the Square, a complex that is home to both a professional theater and museum exhibits. In this edition of Thalhimer’s research spotlight, we explore the revitalization and redevelopment of downtown Roanoke, and its draw for office occupiers.