130 Jackson Street News
27 Mar 2007 / Dave / 130jax, echo
As of January 2007, [nlcf] began renting 130 Jackson Street in downtown Blacksburg. The location was most recently known as the New River Valley Red Cross Donation Center, but has housed several restaurants and bars with names like Daddy’s Money. According to the Roanoke Times - March 11, 2007, internationally known bands such as The Flaming Lips, played there in the early 90’s. The 3000sqft property is undergoing an extensive renovation in order to be used as a place of assembly.
So why do we need a space like this?
Over the years, we have rented various multipurpose rooms like Zach’s Place, Room 217, and 803 Main St. to be used for office space, band practice, meetings, parties, and music events but none have been able to seat more than 150 or had downtown street-level access. We hope the consolidation of events in one place will establish a more well-known place for the general public to connect with us—a home base for our mission to enrich the campus, town, and world. Read our interview about the project in the Roanoke Times - October 28, 2006.
What will go on there?
Here is our current working draft of a comprehensive vision statement.
130 Jackson St. is a common place between campus and town, the church and the world. Operated by [nlcf], a local non-profit, it serves as a haven for people of all types, a nexus of creative expression as inspired by the artistry of the Creator of all things. Like its next-door neighbors, the Lyric Theater, the VT Armory Art Studio, and the XYZ Gallery, it aspires to promote cultural vitality and face-to-face community in downtown Blacksburg. Potential uses for this 3000 sqft space include concerts, art exhibits, independent film screenings, drama, poetry readings, craft shows, charity events, yoga classes, childcare, inclement weather location for farmer’s market, public study/work hall with wireless/print/fax/copy, LAN parties, informal small business meetings, late night weekend safe zone and depot for designated drivers, and catered receptions/holidays/birthdays/conferences for organizations ranging from the DAR to tri-Delta to D&D.
When will it be ready to use?
Updated March 1, 2007: As the old proverb goes: the renovation of a thousand sledge-hammer swings begins with a single piece of paper. (Something like that?) We are slowly but surely approaching the starting line to begin the physical work on the project. Our major setback thus far has been the need for reclassification from mercantile usage into assembly hall usage. This requires a major upgrade of the ventilation system, an overhaul of the bathrooms for disability compliance, and several professional signatures of architects and engineers with busy schedules.
What will it be called?
We need help with this. We want the name to be uniquely us but not blatantly churchish. Please give us your input in our survey.
How can people help?
We need you to join us in prayer for this project. It is very clear that God has enabled this opportunity in the heart of Blacksburg but the red tape is testing the strength of the dream. Pray for expedience, financial affordablity, safety, and patience for the staff and students on the design/build team who are eager to get to work. Pray for perseverance and wisdom to not cut important corners just to get things done on our time schedule. Unless the Lord builds this space we labor in vain.
If you can design, build, loan tools, provide materials, give interest-free financing, make a tax-deductible donation, book bands/events, or connect us with people who can do any of the above please contact us.
