Robert Fralin, the local developer whose attempt to build upscale apartments on a vacant Brandon Avenue parcel the Roanoke City Council shot down last week, is buying the land anyway.
Brian McCahill, chief operating and chief financial officer for R. Fralin Companies, said in a prepared statement Thursday that a limited liability company called R. Fralin Development IX will buy the land. While the city council rejected the company’s attempt to rezone the 7.5 acres to allow construction of 54 apartments in four buildings, the land’s existing zoning allows for construction of up to 33 single-family homes.
“We are eager to work with the community and the City to put forth a plan that is more aligned with the City’s interest,” McCahill said in the statement. “We are open to different uses including commercial office and for sale housing. We are fortunate to have an unlimited timeline to meet the goals of all stakeholders. However, we are fully prepared to develop the property by right and will do so if we cannot come to a reasonable solution.”
