Projects and Tours:
The Roanoke Valley Preservation Foundation continually creates tours to help educate our community of our past and has participated in a variety of successful preservation projects that benefit from the expertise and dedication of our Board of Trustees.
Education:
The RVPF is committed to educating the citizens of our community about the importance, value, and benefits of preservation and conservation. We provide a variety of programs, publications, and tours annually to help fulfill this goal. Please refer to our Events & Tours page for upcoming educational programs and the Resources page for educational materials.
Economic Benefits:
Economic Benefits of Preservation
Public Policy:
The Roanoke Valley Preservation Foundation monitors legislative actions at the local, state, and federal level to ensure laws and land use decisions are in the best interest of the Valley’s resources. This entails tracking local public hearing agendas and maintaining open communication with area localities. At the State and Federal level, the RVPF relies heavily on the efficient monitoring and notifications of Preservation Virginia, Preservation Action, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The RVPF uses status updates on Facebook to keep our supporters current on the latest legislative items.
Endangered Sites:
Since 1996, the Roanoke Valley Preservation Foundation has annually announced a list of significant historic, natural, and cultural sites in the Roanoke Valley that are in eminent danger of being lost due to deferred maintenance, demolition, or incompatible development. The intent is not to shame or punish the current owners, but bring attention to these sites and encourage their preservation and stewardship. The goal is to work closely with property owners and local governments in exploring options to promote their preservation. The best success we can ask for is to celebrate a once endangered property at our annual Preservation Awards Ceremony.
If you are aware of a historic site that may be in eminent danger of being lost due to deferred maintenance, demolition, or incompatible development, please let us know by completing and submitting an Endangered Sites Nomination Form
Interpretive Markers:
The Roanoke Valley Preservation Foundation’s Tours and Interpretive Panels Committee is continually researching history to develop the text and graphics used in Interpretive Markers being placed at a variety places throughout the Roanoke Valley to help tell the story of these historic sites and locations.
Preservation Awards:
Since 1999, the RVPF has annually recognized outstanding preservation efforts in the community by developers, property owners, citizens, nonprofits, and local officials. Typical projects include adaptive reuse of historic buildings, compatible infill development, and land conservation. Recognizing these efforts raises awareness about the power preservation has to protect and enhance communities and the places that matter. The Awards Ceremony is held in November at the Annual Meeting of the RVPF.
If you are aware of a historic site that should be recognized for its outstanding preservation by a developer, property owner, citizen, nonprofit and/or local official, please let us know by completing and submitting a Preservation Award Nomination Form
Robert France Revolving Loan Fund:
The Robert France Revolving Fund was established to earmark funding for the purchase, lease, or stabilization of significant and endangered historic or natural properties. Proceeds from sales, leases, and loan repayments are used to replenish the Fund. The RVPF may attach protective covenants and/or easements to the deed of properties receiving funds to ensure appropriate maintenance by future owners. Eligible projects and selection criteria may be found in the Robert France Revolving Fund Guidelines.