RAC Xpress Cuts Ribbon for Downtown Facility

Carlion CEO Nancy Agee at ribbon-cutting.

The new workout facility is ready for use.

Dignitaries cut the ribbon.

Developer John Garland (from left), Nancy Agee and Bud Grey of Carilion.

Crowd lines up along rail at the workout facility.

Bud Grey addresses the gathered.

Carilion Clinic and Spectrum Design cut the ribbon for the new RAC Xpress at 16 West in downtown Roanoke early this afternoon, opening a workout facility and returning the historic building to a longtime use.

16 West was originally a cafeteria, but since 1980 it has most often been used as a facility for working out, designed around the schedules of business people. It has become an anchor for a group of businesses that will occupy the building.

Carilion executives, including CEO Nancy Agee and Bud Grey of RAC, were on hand with the project's developer, John Garland of Spectrum design. Garland has two partners in the venture.

In addition to RAC Xpress, the building's tenants will shortly include a grocery delivery service, a smoothie bar, a cheese shop and a chiropractor.

RAC is operating its facility and memberships are $25 a month.