College Avenue historically created a boundary between the Virginia Tech campus and downtown Blacksburg. Town and University plan highlighted the need to better utilize the space and integrate the town and the campus.

While employed with LPDA, Inc, John Schmidt served as the principal in charge and led a multidisciplinary in the creation of a “Promenade” accommodating a variety of events and activities. The design resulted in a series of public spaces which form a pedestrian promenade and urban park, facilitating the link between Virginia Tech and downtown Blacksburg.