Roanoke's already-acclaimed downtown area received even more praise March 31, when the Texas chapter of the American Planning Association designated Oak Street in downtown Roanoke as a “Great Texas Street,"
According to the organization, “Great” places in Texas demonstrate “exceptional character” and do their best to show how city organizers play a part in creating lasting communities.
“[Being named a] ‘Great Texas Street’ takes more than just a nice streetscape,” APA Texas Chapter President Chance Sparks said. “It takes long-term, consistent dedication to a vision. Roanoke’s Oak Street embodies this, employing a focus on the downtown corridor as a smart investment in the City’s future not just economically, but culturally.”
Planning of Oak Street in downtown Roanoke was done in an effort to create a thriving street and cultural center through the use of smart infrastructure, Sparks said. He also noted the city’s commitment to public facilities and its development of a regulatory environment that encourages investment.
