Downtown in Roanoke, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

The Wigmore Building

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 29, 2021

1. The Wigmore Building Marker
c.1880-1921

Inscription. c.1880-1921At the turn of the 20th century Market Street was still a street of private residences. The street, however, was beginning to change as downtown Roanoke began to expand. Homeowners moved out and businesses began to occupy the former homes. By 1908 the homes at 307 and 309 Market Street were vacant. Between 1908 and 1921 the structures at 305, 307 and 309 were converted to commercial duplexes with residences being located above the first floor businesses.

c.1921-2002The current building was erected circa 1921. Between 1921 and 1975 the building was occupied by various tenants including Jamison’s, Nunn Furniture Co. and Kroger. By 1977 the market area had become blighted and the building housed the largest of four area adult bookstores. International Realty and Development Corporation purchased the building in 1977. The first floor was renovated in 1979. The final restoration occurred between 2001 and 2002, when the second floor was converted to professional offices.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1921.

Location. 37° 16.249′ N, 79° 56.353′ W.

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Marker is in Roanoke, Virginia. It is in Downtown. It is on Market Street Southeast south of Kirk Avenue Southeast, on the right when traveling south. Markers are mounted at eye-level, directly on the subject building, beside the 309 & 307 Market Street entrances. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 309 Market Street Southeast, Roanoke VA 24011, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Mountain Region

and in Southwest Virginia.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Upper South.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Fire Station No. 1 (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Roanoke City Market (about 300 feet away); Welcome to Historic Roanoke City Market (about 300 feet away); Frederick J. Kimball Memorial Fountain

The Wigmore Building Marker<br>c.1921-2002 image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 29, 2021

2. The Wigmore Building Marker
c.1921-2002

(about 400 feet away); Holton Plaza (about 400 feet away); 412 Jefferson St., SE (about 400 feet away); Boxley Building (about 500 feet away); Colonial National Bank Building (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Roanoke.

Regarding The Wigmore Building. Contributing property in Roanoke City Market Historic District, National Register of Historic Places #83003312.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 29, 2021

3. The Wigmore Building Marker
c.1880-1921

(looking southwest at south building façade)

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 29, 2021

4. The Wigmore Building Marker
c.1921-2002

(looking northwest at north building façade)

The Wigmore Building Facade image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 29, 2021

5. The Wigmore Building Facade

(markers visible in background, mounted on both sides of building center)

The Wigmore Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 29, 2021

6. The Wigmore Building

(looking northwest from across Market Street)

Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 5, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 467 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on October 5, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.