Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Economic Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
IDA pitches Riverside Drive 'fab lab' plan; council asks for more planning detail
Summary
The town's Industrial Development Authority presented a proposal to explore turning 1616 Riverside Drive into a fabrication laboratory combining a commercial kitchen/canery with maker and trades space; council welcomed the idea but stressed the need for feasibility work and clearer cost estimates before committing capital funds.
The Town of Tazewell's Industrial Development Authority presented a concept Sept. 9 to redevelop 1616 Riverside Drive into a fabrication laboratory ("fab lab") with a downstairs focus on food production and a commercial kitchen and upstairs maker/trades space.
IDA members said the facility could host a canery and commercial kitchen tied to Southwest Virginia Community College culinary programs and provide maker equipment (3D printers, CNC, woodworking tools) for entrepreneurs and training. The IDA framed the idea as a multi‑year redevelopment aimed at workforce development and entrepreneurship tied to the adjoining Clinch River Pavilion.
Council members raised practical questions: renovation costs are not yet known and could be substantial; ADA and elevator work would likely be required; heavy equipment needs appropriate floor loading; and operating models (membership, classes, staffing) would need a sustainable governance plan. An IDA representative noted that other successful rural fab‑labs use membership fees, classes and partnerships to cover operations and that planning grants and technical assistance (including USDA food‑grade design experts) would be the next step.
Several councilors said they support exploring the concept but underscored that finishing current capital projects (pavilion, EMS renovations) should remain a priority. The IDA requested direction on whether to pursue a CROP/ARC Power planning grant; staff offered to compile a planning scope if council directed the IDA to proceed.
Council did not commit construction dollars; instead members recommended a feasibility/planning study and closer coordination with county partners and Southwest Virginia Community College before further financial commitments.
