The Bridges opens second apartment building in Roanoke

The Bridges development in downtown Roanoke opened the second building in the South16 apartment complex Wednesday, continuing its multiyear plan to develop the space into a riverfront destination for recreation, shopping, dining and living.

Phase two of the South16 building has 127 units and outdoor recreation areas that include a patio overlooking the Roanoke River and a saltwater swimming pool. There’s also a fifth-floor deck with views of the Mill Mountain Star.

The exterior of Phase II incorporates more brick into the building to create a harmony with the architecture across the street at the Virginia Tech Carilion Medical School and Research Institute.

According to the developer, the living spaces are similar to the original complex.

During the next decade, The Bridges expects to grow to 1 million square feet of residential, retail and office space that will connect downtown with the Roanoke River.

“South16 has been fortunate to help shape the Jefferson corridor in the new downtown area. Bridging together new construction with historic preservation gives our mixed-use development a distinctive character and, with the addition of Starr Hill Pilot Brewery, we have fully leased our Jefferson retail location,” Aaron Ewert, project manager for The Bridges, said in a statement.

Site amenities such as restaurants, courtyards, music at the adjoining Dr Pepper Park and a kayak launch make The Bridges a popular destination, Ewert added. “We are proud to have invested $40 million in the last four years and to be part of the Roanoke region’s growth.”

The Richmond-based WVS Cos. is the developer behind The Bridges. The company has worked on other projects that reuse existing buildings and amenities to create new communities.