Radford University students to investigate foundry redevelopment
A group of Radford University students will investigate redevelopment possibilities for the historic Radford foundry site, a key industrial property acquired by the city 2023, the school has announced.
The Appalachian Regional Commission supplied the funding to participate in the Appalachian Collegiate Research Initiative (ACRI). The $8,000 grant award will support the projects, with $2,000 specifically designated for use by the city of Radford, according to a university news release.
Through two course-based projects, one within the Honors College and the other housed in Appalachian studies, students will work with the city Department of Economic Development to assess potential future uses of the former foundry site. The property, which once housed the Radford Iron and Coal Company, is now a priority for revitalization, with plans to transform the 80-acre site into the West Radford Commerce Park, a multiuse space combining business, recreation, and green spaces.
The site once generated a sizable amount of tax revenue for the city — something that is now lost due to the inactivity of the site. City officials recently acknowledged the city had to a take a loan to meet financial obligations and cited the need to redevelop the foundry property as a future goal.
"The goal will be to develop an interdisciplinary approach to evaluating the property's best uses, focusing on both its unique qualities and similar redevelopment projects," said Jason Davis, professor and leader of the Honors College team. "Students will present general recommendations to the city of Radford, giving the community insights on how the foundry can be reimagined."
Students will explore a variety of facets of the redevelopment process, including historical research, community interviews, and comparative studies of similar post-industrial projects across Appalachia, according to the release.
The aim is to develop proposals for sustainable, community-focused development that reflects the city's needs and cultural heritage.
"Working on this project provides students an opportunity to gain real-world experience in addressing community challenges," said Tim Thornton, adjunct faculty and leader of the Appalachian studies team. "Not only will they apply their classroom knowledge to a live project, but they'll also be contributing to the city's long-term growth."
In addition to delivering a report to the city of Radford this fall, students will travel to Washington, D.C., to present their research at the ACRI Capstone Symposium in December, according to the release. They will showcase their proposals to ARC leadership, community representatives from across Appalachia, and other student teams involved in the program.
The Appalachian Regional Commission's ACRI program, coordinated by East Tennessee State University, has been connecting students to community-based economic development initiatives since 2001. The program aligns with ARC's broader goals of addressing community challenges, including downtown revitalization, sustainable development, and improved access to healthcare and education.
