New Damascus Realty Has History of Snakes, Bowling, Skating and Graffiti

Damascus, VA, January 19, 2007 --(PR.com)-- Doors were ripped off the hinges; trees and foliage were growing through the roof and had almost completely hidden the 7,000 sq. ft. building. Inside was worse. There were multiple roof leaks, a resident black snake and 25 years of collected debris. Graffiti and profanity laced the walls. Where others would cringe, real estate broker Russell McBride became excited. “The location was outstanding on Rt. 58 across from Food City and the Bank of Damascus. The structure needed lots of work but was sound.”

For McBride, an October 2005 weekend visit to buy 20 acres in the Damascus, Virginia area turned into purchasing the former bowling alley, skating rink and later pool hall. “The building had been vacant and neglected for almost 15 years and trees had literally engulfed the structure. It was my wife who noticed it, not me.”

An Oak Hill Academy and Appalachian State University graduate, McBride, a Lynchburg, VA native, knew the area and was drawn to return to Damascus. “With my 30 years of real estate experience I immediately saw the area’s real estate needs were not being served with the resurgence of Damascus so we decided to open Damascus Realty.”

“What he has done is fantastic. He’s taken an eyesore, an old run down building and made it into one of the most attractive buildings in Damascus,” says Damascus Mayor Creed Jones.

“With all the national and regional attention the area is receiving we’ve needed a Damascus real estate company. It has become an asset to the community. I love what he has done with the building and I wish him well,” says Damascus Vice-Mayor Marina Farmer."

“I met Russell McBride in late December 2005 and I’ve watched him rehab and transform the old structure into a premier office building. I expect he will do exceedingly well in the real estate business”, states Damascus resident and Washington County Supervisor Jack McGrady. Mayor Jones, Vice-Mayor Farmer and Supervisor McGrady have agreed to preside at the Grand Opening ribbon cutting ceremony at 5:30 PM.

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