Vinton Town Council and town staff were treated to a progress tour of the Cleveland Commons
redevelopment project on February 26. Owners/developers Chris Dowdy and Dominic Basile led
the tour. Plans are for a May opening.
development project with the developers and general contractor. Pictured left to right are Asst.
Planning and Zoning Director Nathan McClung, Deputy Town Manager Cody Sexton, Director
of Cultural Placemaking and Events Mandy Adkins, Mayor Brad Grose, Town Manager Pete
Peters, co-owners/developers Emily Dowdy and Chris Dowdy, Economic Development
Specialist Marshall Stanley, Planning and Zoning Director Anita McMillan, general contractor
Mike Vanderpool of Noah Construction, and developer/co-owner Dominic Basile. (photos by Debbie Adams)
That will mark two years since the Town of Vinton, the Roanoke County Economic
Development Authority, and CMART Holdings signed a Performance Agreement to redevelop
the former Cleveland Mart into the mixed-use commercial and residential property. The purpose
was to revitalize a neighborhood near downtown, increase commercial opportunities, generate
new local tax revenues, and add to the housing inventory.
Dowdy and Basile of CMART describe the project as a “unique blend of residential and
commercial spaces, perfect for those seeking a vibrant, safe, and convenient lifestyle.”
The building houses seven apartments (two one-bedroom/one bath and five two-bedroom/1
bath), and one commercial space on East Cleveland Avenue.
The commercial space measures 1,160 square feet. Zoned mixed-use, it is appropriate for office
space, retail, a barbershop, salon, etc. The space includes a breakroom and bathroom, and is
ADA accessible. The developers will “build to suit.”
The two smaller residential units are about 700 square feet in area; the larger ones, between 780
and 900 square feet. They include energy and space-saving high-efficiency HVAC and
appliances with dishwashers and in-unit washer/dryers. There are granite counter-tops in both
kitchens and baths and stainless steel appliances. The flooring is LVP (luxury vinyl plank).
Living areas are “open-concept.”
area in an upper level apartment. (rendering courtesy of CMART)
All units are high-speed Internet ready, with fiber and coaxial infrastructure. There is a fire
suppression system throughout the structure. All units– residential and commercial– have
dedicated parking spaces, off the street.
Council and staff members on the tour were suitably impressed with what the developers have
accomplished. The apartments are large and welcoming with great lighting and high ceilings on
the upper level. There are bathtubs, not just showers, and large closets. There is privacy with
corridors, outside entrances, and walls thickly insulated so neighbors don’t hear each other.
members Keith Liles (left) and Mike Stovall through one of the Cleveland Commons well-
insulated basement apartments.
Insulation and drywall have been installed, along with cabinetry in some of the units. Work on
the flooring is underway. Appliances also await installation.
Mike Vanderpool, owner of Noah Construction, is the general contractor. His attention to quality
workmanship and detail is evident.
Cleveland Commons is located in the area of Vinton near the newly renovated Roland E. Cook
Lofts, about halfway between downtown Vinton and Lake Drive Plaza and easily walkable to
both.
The project has already sparked residential development projects on nearby properties. The town
does not foresee the area becoming primarily commercial, but will remain mostly residential.
In recent months, the Western Virginia Water Authority has completed a project replacing all
utility lines on Cleveland Avenue, with subsequent repaving of the road.
For more information or a tour, contact Dowdy and Basile at clevelandcommons528@gmail.com
or call 540-227-4108.
