Demolition begins at Walker Foundry site in Roanoke's Norwich for $45M redevelopment

Demolition has begun on five acres at the former Walker Foundry site in Roanoke's Norwich neighborhood, part of a $45 million redevelopment led by father-son developers Greg and Derek Kaknes. The city secured $3.5 million in state grants, split between commercial space and workforce housing, to support the project. The historic 10,000-square-foot foundry building will become a social hub along the Roanoke River Greenway, with commercial space targeted to open July 2027 and housing to follow. A community open house is set for August 5.