Tom Raab, South Boston’s intrepid and driven Town Manager, is about to see a dream realized. The former John Randolph Hotel will soon be redeveloped and become a major anchor downtown, adding to the vitality of the historic commercial district. The property was acquired by Julian and Karie Brittano last fall, and it was recently announced that their North Carolina-based firm, The Brittano Group, and its subsidiary, The Rook Hotels, entered into a private-public partnership with the town to redevelop the four-story building into a boutique hotel!

“This hotel is one of the largest properties downtown. Its renovation will make it a huge attraction; the start of our Renaissance. This will put South Boston on the map as a destination! – Tom Raab, Town Manager, South Boston

The largest building in downtown South Boston, the former hotel has sat vacant for 30+ years. In 2011, the Halifax Industrial Development Authority (IDA) took ownership of the property, stabilizing and weatherizing the structure in preparation for redevelopment. After years of working to attract developers, new life will soon be breathed into the building. The boutique hotel, which will be called “The Rook at South Boston,” will feature 32-plus rooms and a rooftop bar, and the town has even indicated that an adjacent building will be revamped into a restaurant and conference center. The Brittano’s (right) are eager to get started!

“There’s a lot of opportunity here in Halifax County and here in the Town of South Boston. Exciting things are happening in Southern Virginia with the speedway and the raceway. It’s a great central location, and the hotel will be the anchor of a new downtown. – Julian Brittano

The renovation will cost roughly $11 million to complete. In addition to private investment, the Town of South Boston has secured $650,000 in grant funding – $600,000 from the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission (TRRC) and a $50,000 Virginia Brownfields Assistance Fund (VBAF) grant. The locality plans to apply for Industrial Revitalization Fund (IRF) grant monies and explore other grant opportunities as well.

Stay tuned for more details! We look forward to seeing the progress made over the coming months!

Photo Credit (John Randolph Hotel): ABC 13 News

Photo Credit (Julian and Katie Brittano): Travel Noire