adventureswithapostcardMunicipal Building – Roanoke, VA
Located across from the Ponce de Leon hotel (which you can read my post about that HERE) is the Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building in Roanoke, a historic landmark that’s been around since 1915.
History [in 50 words or less]
50 words?! What! Yeah, that’s because I couldn’t find very much information on this building… so here goes:
This massive, neo-classically designed building was built in 1915 and, from what I could gather, it replaced the original 1800s courthouse. The new courthouse was a brainchild of the “Women’s Civic Betterment Club” (established in 1906) and they convinced the city to start construction in 1914.
That’s it. That’s 46 words and all I could find. Am I failing at research? Probably. But it’s what you’re getting. And these fun, additional facts:
- The building was “remodeled” some in 1969
- It became a historical landmark in 2002
- The main lobby had been closed in the 1980s due to disrepair, but it was restored to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the building
- Named after the first African-American mayor of Roanoke, Noel C. Taylor
Noel C. Taylor
The Municipal Building was named after Noel C. Taylor after his passing in 1998. However, this building’s name is definitely not the only thing that this man has contributed to Roanoke- he was an incredible man so I found it only appropriate to discuss his achievements and legacy.
Noel C. Taylor was born in 1924 to successful Bedford County farmers. At 19, Taylor joined the Army and fought in World War II. Upon his return to the states after the war ended, he began attending college (graduated with honors) and became a schoolteacher, while also continuing his education and advancing his career. After years of hard work, he became an elementary school principal (1950-1952); earned two bachelors degrees, a Doctor of Divinity degree (1959), and a Masters in Religious Education (1963); AND pastored three churches. Also during this time, he got married (Barbara Jean Smith) and had two kids.
Taylor was a member of MANY organizations and was highly esteemed in many communities. He was a civic leader that worked hard to desegregate Roanoke, help better public schools, implement transit services, etc.
In 1970, Noel C. Taylor became a member of the city council and served until 1975, when he was elected mayor of Roanoke. In both cases, he was the first African-American to hold these positions and is held as “one of the most influential leaders in the city’s history”. Additionally, he was the longest serving mayor in Roanoke’s history, remaining in office until 1992.
Noel C. Taylor passed away in 1998 at the age of 74. His legacy on the city is great and the impact he had can still be seen today.
Thank you, Mr. Taylor for all you did for this city and for envisioning a brighter future and seeing it through.
From Autumn, with Words:
Sadly, this postcard also doesn’t have writing and since this is now a theme, I decided to distinguish my “Dear…” posts with “From Autumn, with Words” when I write whatever I would have said.
“Dear Friend, I’m walking around Roanoke today and see this massive building with lots of stairs. I wanted to see how fast I could run up them, so I did. And I ended up tripping and breaking my arm so now I’m off to the hospital, but my mind is still flashing back to the building… Could’ve done it in less than a minute… Maybe next time.
From Autumn, with Words”
Among its many buildings in Roanoke, the Municipal Building is one important one and it has seen some stuff in its day. Today, the building still stands as a government building and also as a landmark to the past. It definitely has some beautiful architecture that is worth a glance if you’re in the area but, if not for the architecture, then to honor Noel C. Taylor’s life and commitment to the city he called his home.
References
- Clyde Tucker’s contribution on BlackPast: Link HERE
- Noel C. Taylor’s photo: Link HERE
- Info retrieved from the Library of Congress: Link HERE
- Ray Cox’s “What’s On Your Mind: Will Roanoke celebrate its century-old municipal building?” from the Roanoke Times: Link HERE
- Matt Chittum’s “Roanoke Reopens 100-year-old north entrance to city hall” from the Roanoke Times: Link HERE
