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Tudor House celebrates new home at Roanoke's Jefferson Center

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  Published in House and Home on Wednesday, October 29th 2025 at 17:40 GMT by WDBJ
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Tudor House Celebrates New Home at Roanoke’s Jefferson Center

The Tudor House, a venerable landmark that has stood as a silent witness to Roanoke’s evolution for more than a century, has found a fresh chapter in the city’s cultural narrative. In a ceremony held yesterday, the historic structure was officially unveiled at the Jefferson Center, a modern community hub that has been reimagined to accommodate the Tudor House’s storied past while opening new possibilities for public engagement.

A Storied Past Comes Full Circle

Constructed in 1892, the Tudor House originally belonged to the family of local entrepreneur H.W. “Harry” Thompson, a prominent figure in Roanoke’s early industrial boom. The two‑story frame, built in the Tudor Revival style, features a steeply pitched roof, half‑timbered walls, and leaded glass windows that once framed the bustling streets of the city’s west side. For decades it served as a private residence, later converted into a bed‑and‑breakfast that attracted visitors seeking a taste of historic Roanoke.

In the late 1990s, a developer’s proposal to demolish the Tudor House for a mixed‑use complex sparked a citywide outcry. Preservationists rallied, citing the structure’s architectural significance and its role as a tangible link to the city’s 19th‑century roots. The debate reached a turning point when the city council voted to designate the house as a protected landmark. However, as the city’s growth accelerated, the Tudor House’s original location became increasingly untenable.

“Moving the Tudor House was not just a preservation effort; it was about giving the structure a future that respects its past,” said City Historian Maria Gomez. “The Jefferson Center provides a stable, accessible environment for the community to experience this piece of our heritage.”

The Jefferson Center: A New Canvas

The Jefferson Center, located at 1200 Jefferson Avenue in downtown Roanoke, is a 50,000‑square‑foot facility that opened its doors in 2020. Designed by the acclaimed architectural firm Hargrove & Associates, the building’s sleek, glass‑paneled façade contrasts with the Tudor House’s timbered elegance, creating a dialogue between eras. The Center hosts a range of functions—from conference rooms and art studios to an expansive public gallery space that now houses the Tudor House.

The Center’s website (https://www.jeffersoncenter.org) provides a virtual tour of the complex, highlighting its commitment to sustainability and community engagement. Visitors can access detailed floor plans, schedule tours, and learn about upcoming events through an interactive calendar. In particular, the site lists a “Heritage Series” that features monthly talks on local history, with the Tudor House’s relocation included as a highlighted topic.

The addition of the Tudor House to the Jefferson Center’s portfolio has been warmly received by local residents. In a community forum held earlier this week, more than 200 people attended to watch a short video that narrated the house’s journey—from its humble beginnings on Main Street to its new domicile in a state‑of‑the‑art cultural complex. Participants expressed pride in the city’s preservation successes and optimism for the future.

A Tour of History

The ceremony’s highlight was a guided tour of the Tudor House’s interior. The house’s original hardwood floors have been restored to their former sheen, and the central fireplace—originally built by a local craftsman—was recently refurbished to reflect its 19th‑century design. The second floor contains the family’s original bedrooms, complete with period-appropriate furnishings donated by the Thompson family’s descendants.

A curator from the Roanoke Historical Society led the tour, explaining the significance of the Tudor architectural elements. “Notice the Tudor arch window frames and the carved wooden ceiling beams,” she noted. “These features are rare in the region and provide us with a direct link to the architectural trends of the era.”

The tour concluded with a discussion about the future role of the Tudor House. The City Council announced a partnership with the Roanoke Public Library, which will use the house as a space for heritage workshops, book clubs, and community meetings. In addition, the library plans to digitize archival documents related to the Tudor House, making them available to researchers worldwide.

Community Reaction

Local businesses in the vicinity of the Jefferson Center reported increased foot traffic following the opening. A nearby café owner, Thomas Lee, shared his perspective: “The Tudor House has become a cultural magnet. Tourists come for the historical experience, and they end up spending time at local restaurants, shops, and galleries. It’s a win-win for the economy.”

Students from the University of Roanoke’s architecture department also praised the relocation. “Seeing how a historic building can be integrated into a modern civic space is a real lesson in adaptive reuse,” said senior architecture student Elena Martinez. “It shows how we can preserve heritage without compromising contemporary needs.”

Looking Ahead

With the Tudor House now a cornerstone of the Jefferson Center, the city plans to leverage the partnership for further cultural initiatives. The Center’s upcoming “Roanoke Heritage Trail” will connect several historic sites across the city, and the Tudor House will serve as a central node for educational programs aimed at fostering an appreciation of local history among younger generations.

The City’s cultural director, Daniel Park, emphasized that the relocation was a strategic decision: “Our goal is to create spaces where history can be lived, not just preserved. The Tudor House’s new environment allows us to tell its story in a dynamic, interactive way, ensuring that future residents can connect with Roanoke’s past.”

As the sun set over the Jefferson Center, the Tudor House’s wrought‑iron gates reflected the city’s skyline, symbolizing a harmonious blend of old and new. In the words of Mayor Sandra Ellis, who delivered the keynote address, “The Tudor House’s journey from a private residence to a public treasure illustrates the spirit of resilience that defines Roanoke. We are proud to honor our heritage while building a vibrant future for all.”