ROANOKE, Va. — A former adult entertainment venue on Franklin Road is preparing to reopen after years of sitting vacant, signaling the return of a controversial type of business to the city.
The building, which previously operated under several names throughout its long history as a strip club, is now undergoing renovations. A developer has submitted plans to reopen the location as Lust Gentleman’s Club, following the City of Roanoke’s recent approval of a building permit in late November.
City Requirements and Zoning Status
According to city officials, the property does not require a new special exemption permit. However, the business will need valid Certificates of Occupancy for both the adult entertainment portion of the establishment and the food-and-beverage operations proposed for the site.
The structure has been empty for approximately two years, and the city confirmed that zoning regulations allow the building to continue being used for adult entertainment.
Mixed Reactions From Surrounding Area
Local business owners in the area have expressed a wide range of reactions. Some say the return of an adult entertainment venue raises concerns about the type of activity the location may attract, including worries about loitering, late-night behavior, or potential impacts on safety. A few nearby businesses have already taken precautionary steps—such as adding fencing or securing access points—to protect their properties.
Others in the area feel differently, noting that an occupied commercial building is preferable to a vacant one. They believe that increased traffic along the corridor could help reduce property crime and potentially benefit other nearby establishments by bringing more people into the area.
Some long-standing business operators on Franklin Road, who remember previous iterations of the club going back decades, say the presence of a strip club is not new to the area. They emphasized that proper management will be the key factor in whether the business integrates smoothly into the neighborhood.
Meanwhile, several residents living in nearby neighborhoods told Vinton Voice they were disappointed to see another strip club returning so close to their homes. They expressed concerns about whether the business aligns with the character of the area and referenced negative experiences with previous clubs at the site.
A Location With a Long History
The Franklin Road building has operated as various adult entertainment venues for generations. Past establishments include Girls, Girls, Girls; Juice’s Exotic Cabaret; and the Gold and Silver Gentleman’s Club. The location’s history stretches back to the 1960s, when a now-defunct club made headlines for its topless go-go dancers.
Under Virginia state law, strip clubs are legal but must follow regulations that prohibit full nudity.
Opening Timeline Unknown
City records list Southwest Virginia Investments as the business license holder for the property. Attempts to reach the company for comment have been unsuccessful, and no opening date has been announced.
As renovations continue, many in the surrounding community are waiting to see how the club’s return will affect the corridor—and whether it will bring renewed business activity, renewed controversy, or both.