Last month, Main Street Lexington (MSL), a volunteer-based, non-profit organization established in 2013 that works to create a prosperous and welcoming downtown while preserving Lexington’s unique and historic character, celebrated its 10th anniversary with a reception at the Gin Hotel ballroom in downtown Lexington. The event honored past and present staff, board and committee members, volunteers, partners and other supporters of the MSL program.
The reception also featured a celebration of the organization’s accomplishments over the past decade. Here are a few notable examples:
MSL business support initiatives have kept $381,000 in the local economy through the downtown Lexington gift certificate program; distributed $295,200 in relief funds during the COVID-19 pandemic; welcomed 46 new businesses to the downtown commercial district, filling 24 vacant storefronts; and awarded $32,955 in signs and awnings grants for downtown merchants.
MSL has created six new public events in downtown Lexington: Rock the Bridge, the Jingle Bell Run, Love Lex Lotto, a Science Festival and the twice-annual Restaurant Week. Additionally, MSL has assumed the coordination of several existing events, including the July 4 Children’s Bike Parade, downtown Trick or Treat, the Candlelight Processional & Tree Lighting in November and the Downtown Lexington Christmas Parade. In addition, MSL partners with other organizations to present the Freedom Food Festival each July.
MSL has also spearheaded multiple beautification projects, including the recently completed Gateway Triangle Garden, while volunteers have contributed 13,776 hours of service for MSL events and programs.
To learn more about the great revitalization work that’s happened over the past decade, click here to view before and after photos of vacant buildings that have been filled and spaces that have been transformed in downtown Lexington. You can also check out a celebratory video where MSL partners, community leaders and business owners reflect on the impact that the local Main Street organization has had on downtown Lexington over the past 10 years. Hear what they had to say!
The Virginia Main Street (VMS) team congratulates MSL on all that it’s achieved, and we look forward to seeing all the great things they’ll do in the future!
Image Credit: Main Street Lexington
Virginia Main Street 