SOLD

$3,800,000

1163 Wards Rd

Altavista, VA 24517, USA

SOLD

Altavista/ Lynchburg, VA: Former Automotive Dealership on Two Parcels Totaling 13± Acres (Campbell County)

Prime US29 frontage in Campbell County’s Lynchburg MSA at 1163 & 1197 Wards Rd. (Campbell County)

Straddling 13± acres on the east side of Wards Road/ US‑29 in Altavista, this former franchise‑dealership commands attention. Two contiguous parcels share uninterrupted highway frontage and dual access drives, giving passing traffic unimpeded views of the broad asphalt display lots and inviting curb appeal.

The land itself is user‑friendly: irregular in shape yet essentially level, well‑drained, and located entirely in FEMA Zone X—outside any mapped flood hazard area. Campbell County classifies the property B‑GC (General Business Commercial), a flexible designation that welcomes most retail, automotive, and equipment‑oriented uses without the need for rezoning.

Inside, the campus functions like a modern one‑stop dealership: multi‑vehicle showroom, customer lounge, sales and finance offices, retail parts counter with warehouse, and a fully enclosed service department equipped with a typical complement of bays.

Outside, roughly 380 striped surface spaces wrap the buildings, providing ample room for display inventory, customer parking, and circulation lanes. Extensive asphalt paving, steel pole lighting, perimeter fencing, and modest landscaping reinforce the site’s retail automotive identity.

Listing Price: $3,800,000

Executive Summary

  • Property: 1163 & 1197 Wards Rd, Altavista, VA 24517 
  • Use: Former automotive dealership with ancillary office building (3 total buildings). 
  • Land Area: 13.04± acres 
  • Building Area: 32,178± SF rentable 
  • Zoning: B-GC (Business-General Commercial District) zoning accommodates a wide range of retail and automotive uses.  
  • Campbell County Parcel IDs: 70-A-70 and 70-A-72A
  • Zoning: B-GC (Business-General Commercial District) zoning accommodates a wide range of retail and automotive uses 
  • Campbell County Parcel IDs: 70-A-70 and 70-A-72A

Investment Highlights

  • Purpose-built: Dealership/ showroom/ service facility in average-quality condition with strong frontage on US-29 (Wards Rd). 
  • Recent Transaction Basis: Effective valuation date April 2, 2025, at $3.86 million, reflecting market as-is value.
  • Functional Layout & Expansion Upside: Three single-story buildings (showroom, service garage, ancillary office) totaling 32,178±SF; extensive paved display and customer parking.
  • Personal property, furniture, fixtures, and equipment also available under separate agreement for purchase to remain in-place.

Site & Improvements

  • Site Area: Irregular-shaped 10.97± acre primary parcel plus 2.07± acre adjoining lot assembled as one functional site. 
  • Service Facility: The heart of operations is a 22,318±SF concrete‑block service and parts building dating to 1985. 
  • Showroom: 8,180±SF showroom (plus a 2,090±SF covered porch), built in 1988, fronts Wards Road and features expansive windows for vehicle display and a welcoming customer lobby. 
  • Additional Office: A standalone 1,680±SF wood‑frame office built in 1968 offers overflow sales or administrative space on the adjunct parcel.

Location & Market Overview

  • Regional: Part of the Lynchburg, VA MSA—good access via US-29 and proximity to I-81; diversified service-based economy. 
  • Local Submarket: General retail vacancy ~1.8%, average rents $15 PSF; limited new construction, stable absorption—auto dealerships classified as special-purpose retail/industrial hybrids.

Agent Information

In cooperation and conjunction with:

Julian E. Howell III, Lic #69289
Auction Management Corporation Lic #69288

Nicholls Auction Marketing Group
VAAF #2908000729, VAAF #2908000769
LIC. #: 2907004930, LIC. #: 2907004932

Floor Plans

Additional Videos

About This Area

Below are some local staples in the Altavista and Lynchburg communities. Along with these local favorites, you can expect to find familiar names such as Texas Roadhouse, Olive Garden, Outback Steakhouse, Chilis and Longhorn Steakhouse (coming soon).

Altavista

All-You-Can-Eat & Homestyle

Main Street Buffet — Family-run buffet serving classic, comforting home-cooked fare. Affordable pricing, often feels like a warm, “grandma’s house” meal.

More Casual Options

Perky’s Restaurant — Friendly local favorite; hearty American dishes in a cozy, family-style setting.

Main Street Cafe & Coffee — Farm-to-table café with wholesome meals and excellent coffee, perfect for breakfast or a light bite.

Broad St Deli, Rosa Negra, Peace of Pie Pizzeria, Taste of Italy — Each delivers casual, delicious fare without fuss—sandwiches, tacos, pizza, Italian comfort food.

Lynchburg

Breakfast & Brunch

My Dog Duke’s Diner — A cheerful favorite known for all-day breakfast, dog-friendly patio, and classic brunch fare. Great for casual mornings with friends or family.

White Hart Cafe — Laid-back café beloved by locals, dubbed “Lynchburg’s living room” for its cozy vibe and seasonal coffees.

Lunch & Quick Bites

Texas Inn (“T-Room”) — Since 1935, famous for its iconic “Cheesy Western” sandwich in a vintage diner setting.

Depot Grille — Housed in a historic rail depot with rustic charm, serving hearty sandwiches, salmon, wings, and offering a scenic terrace.

Casual Dinners & Neighborhood Gems

The Water Dog — Laid-back riverside bar & grill with a dog-friendly patio, craft brews, oysters, handhelds, and live music in warmer months.

Rivermont Pizza — Beloved neighborhood pizza spot since 2008; creative pies and cozy basement vibes make it a long-standing casual pick.

The Cavalier Store (“The Cav”) — Retro dive-bar atmosphere, top-rated burgers, fries, draft beers—it’s cash-only with an on-site ATM

Altavista Shopping Highlights

  • Downtown Altavista – Small-town charm with locally owned gift shops, clothing boutiques, and antique stores.

  • Altavista Commons – Shopping center with everyday essentials and national retailers.

Lynchburg Shopping Highlights

  • River Ridge Mall – Major indoor mall with department stores, dining, and specialty shops.

  • Downtown Lynchburg – Boutiques, art galleries, and antique stores along Main Street and Commerce Street.

  • Boonsboro Shopping Area – Local gift shops, home décor stores, and specialty retailers.

  • Wards Road Shopping Corridor – National chains, electronics stores, and big-box retailers.

  • Candlers Station – Shopping center with a variety of retail and dining options.

Roanoke Shopping Highlights

  • Valley View Mall – Large shopping mall with popular retail brands and dining options.

  • Tanglewood Mall – Indoor mall with anchor stores, boutiques, and services.

  • Historic Downtown Roanoke – Market District with unique shops, artisans, and specialty foods.

  • Grandin Village – Eclectic mix of boutiques, vintage shops, and local makers.

Altavista

English Park, beside Staunton River, offers walking trails, a playground, picnic areas, and fields for sports like soccer and volleyball

Just a short drive away, Smith Mountain Lake State Park provides trails, boating, fishing, and scenic vistas—an ideal spot for day trips or family outings

Lynchburg

Adventure is abundant, from kayaking the James River and skiing year-round at Snowflex, to over 40 miles of scenic urban trails and access to the Blue Ridge Parkway and Appalachian Trail.

Community favorites include biking or walking the RiverWalk on Percival’s Island, hiking Blackwater Creek Trail, visiting waterfalls, and participating in city races.

Outdoor outfitters like Urban Mountain Adventures offer guided rafting, rock climbing, and backpacking excursions in central Virginia.

Campbell County

Campbell County includes 13 schools and 1 technical education center.

Elementary: Altavista Elementary School

Middle School: Altavista Combined School

High School: Altavista Combined School

Lynchburg

Close in proximity, Lynchburg City’s private school community includes:

Pre-K to Grade 12: Liberty Christian Academy and Timberlake Christian School

Want more information or to schedule a showing?

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mark tomlin t&t realty and auction madison heights lynchburg va headshot keller williams

Mark Tomlin

KW Realtor, Auctioneer, Owner

License No. 2907004930

mason thomas t&t realty and auction madison heights lynchburg va headshot keller williams

Mason Thomas

KW Realtor, Auctioneer, Owner

License No. 2907004932

Thank you for considering T & T Realty & Auction for your auction needs. We look forward to working with you and helping you achieve success in your auction endeavors.