The Town of Crewe has become an Exploring Main Street (EMS) community and formally joined the powerful, grassroots Virginia Main Street (VMS) network!

Founded in 1888, the Town of Crewe was built to support the operations of Norfolk & Western Railway as a divisional halfway point between Norfolk and Roanoke, Virginia. Interestingly, the town was named after a large railway town and civil parish, which happens to share the same name, in the unitary authority of Cheshire East in Cheshire, England. While the railroad repair facility’s importance diminished sharply in the 1950s as the switch to diesel-electric locomotives required less labor and equipment, the Town of Crewe maintained its authentic down-home charm throughout the years and continues to welcome families, businesses and visitors, old and new, to enjoy all that the southern Virginia community has to offer.

Mayor Phil Miskovic spearheaded the effort to help the Town of Crewe become an official EMS community. The locality will use the VMS tier status to create improved economic opportunity downtown and enhance quality of life through community-driven revitalization efforts, as well as brand Crewe as a fun and unique place to live, work and play!

“Enhancing Crewe’s downtown and the community’s sense of place will draw residents and visitors and drive the success of retail, restaurants and other local businesses. This vision will require a multi-pronged approach that encompasses zoning, capital improvements and economic development initiatives and incentives. Becoming an EMS community through the Virginia Main Street program is the first step in adding another tool to help the town accomplish its goals.

– Phil Miskovic, Mayor of Crewe

As a Main Street America (MSA) State Coordinating Program, VMS offers a range of services and assistance to communities across the Commonwealth that are interested in revitalizing their historic commercial districts. Click here to view the VMS Program Guidelines to learn more about EMS tier requirements and resources, as well as how the VMS program can help your community achieve its revitalization goals!

Photo Credit (Town Hall) – Town of Crewe

Photo Credit (Downtown Crewe) – Town of Crewe

Photo Credit (Crewe Railroad Museum) – Go Wandering