Hopewell Downtown Partnership Holds a Downtown Open House

On April 27th, Hopewell Downtown Partnership (HDP) welcomed supporters, citizens, partners, and the downtown-curious to an open house highlighting recently completed projects, teasing upcoming developments, and providing the opportunity for attendees to be a part of the community’s transformation. Attendees were greeted by Heather Lyne, HDP Executive Director, as well as a cadre of HDP volunteers and set out to tour the downtown in groups. At some locations, hard hats were provided as the sites are currently under construction, indicating a district that is growing, evolving, and providing new quality of life amenities and spaces for the community.

One such site is the Lamb Center for Arts and Healing, an arts nonprofit that provides classes, produces public art, and holds events to promote the arts and artists in the Hopewell area. Not only are they a valuable partner in the Main Street district, but their office and studio rehabilitation has received funding from the Industrial Revitalization Fund (IRF) from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), which is being leveraged with multiple other funding sources – both public and private – to bring the project to reality.

Another ongoing project is the activation and beautification of an alley that connects businesses on Broadway (the main street in Hopewell) with parking and side streets. What was once a nondescript, utilitarian public space is being transformed into a welcoming and vibrant pathway providing connectivity and an opportunity for place making. HDP received a Downtown Investment Grant (DIG) from Virginia Main Street (VMS) to undertake the project and is serving as another indicator that the face of downtown Hopewell is changing.

“We want to generate a positive buzz around the momentum in Downtown Hopewell by highlighting exciting projects attached to big names or awards; (re)introduce potential investors and developers to the changing market and scene in Downtown; meet and recruit potential commercial tenants to spaces under renovation / fill spaces; grow new champions for Downtown; and to engage board members and volunteers.”
Heather Lyne, HDP Executive Director

The crowd that was gathered at the close of the tours were treated to live music, local tacos, and comments from both local and regional speakers whose remarks reiterated the event goals and the optimism surrounding the district and the community.