Who We Are
Old Southwest, Inc. is an active not-for-profit organization which began in the 1970s as the Old Southwest Neighborhood Alliance. When twenty-two historic OSW buildings were razed in one year, neighbors formed an alliance to coordinate efforts to save the neighborhood from further destruction and loss of historic architecture. Old Southwest, Inc. remains vigilant and involved on a daily basis about issues affecting the preservation, safety, appearance, and quality-of-life of the neighborhood. Old Southwest, Inc. participation and supporting membership is open to resident home-owners, tenants, and neighborhood business and property owners, as well anyone who wishes to support the overall mission of our organization.
Our Recognitions
In 2007, Old Southwest, Inc. placed 1st for “Best Neighborhood of the Year” at the Virginia Statewide Neighborhood Conference.
In 2008, Old Southwest, Inc. placed 2nd in the Nation for “Best Neighborhood of the Year” in the Social Revitalization Category at the Neighborhoods USA (NUSA) Conference.
In 2009, Old Southwest, Inc. placed 1st for “Best Neighborhood Project of the Year” at the VA Statewide Neighborhood Conference for the annual “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” event.
In 2010 Old Southwest, Inc. was awarded BEST Neighborhood of the Year in the United States for it’s annual Holiday Parlor Tour of Homes from Neighborhoods USA as well as BEST Neighborhood Organization of the Year at the Virginia Statewide Neighborhood conference.
In 2022 Old Southwest, Inc., through its Environmental Preservation, Parks & Greenspace Committee, developed active partnerships with the City of Roanoke’s Urban Forestry and Storm Water Departments, two Virginia Garden Clubs (Town & Country and Mill Mountain), the Roanoke Diversity Center, and Sharon Burnham of Garden Vitals to support the development of a “Pocket Park” located at the corner of Day Avenue and 8th Street SW. This transformation of two vacant lots serves as an environmental education opportunity and as a model for how homeowners and other neighborhoods can contribute to environmental sustainability in urban spaces.
Our Values
Stewardship
OSW, Inc. strives to make OSW a safe, attractive, environmentally conscious, and friendly place to live, work, and play. We are a nationally registered historic district. We value the character and beauty of the neighborhood’s homes, buildings, and green-spaces. Our organization helps promote historic and environmental preservation and restoration, including treasured architecture, Highland Park—the 32 acres of green space and recreational area lying in the heart of our neighborhood, and other vacant lots and green-space areas.
Building Community
Without community spirit and participation, a community is simply buildings grouped together. OSW, Inc. promotes healthy relationships among the residents, businesses, and organizations that reside and operate in our neighborhood. It also works to promote strong relationships between OSW and Roanoke city departments, whose services support the neighborhood.
Communication
As one means of building a strong community, OSW, Inc. serves as a communication conduit among all neighborhood stakeholders to promote awareness and understanding of the neighborhood’s priorities, challenges, activities, events, and successes. Sign up to receive the periodic OSW informational emails and newsletters.
Excellence
Our organization doesn’t settle for the “status quo.” We strive for the next achievement, continually working to better our organization and our neighborhood—changing with the times and neighborhood needs and interests..
Volunteer Service
OSW, Inc. is an organization of volunteers who wholeheartedly support the betterment of our community. The organization works to recruit and nurture volunteers to ensure continued activities and initiatives that unite residents and support quality-of-life in our neighborhood. We invite your participation at monthly meetings on the third Thursday each month, as a committee member, and as an occasional volunteer. Download OSW Standing Committee Descriptions under the “GET INVOLVED” button.
Our History
The history of Old Southwest spans nearly 250 years.