The Virginia Main Street (VMS) program’s Main Street Champion merit award highlights an entity whose generous support and partnership has furthered a Main Street organization’s work. The 2024 award went to the Danville Regional Foundation (DRF) in Danville, Virginia.
In 2010, DRF sponsored a “See the Possible” trip to Greenville, South Carolina, enabling local leaders from Danville to visit and learn from a comparable community that had successfully navigated challenges similar to those faced by Danville, including the loss of its textile industry, economic collapse and a downtown area characterized by a river and large historic properties. The visit provided Danville’s leadership with valuable insights into the potential for downtown redevelopment as a catalyst for economic growth and revitalization.
Inspired by Greenville’s success, Danville’s leaders recognized the necessity of investing in the redevelopment of their own downtown area and engaged a consulting firm to conduct studies on potential catalyst projects and develop a comprehensive master plan for the downtown district. This strategic move aimed to drive economic development and stimulate the local economy, drawing on the lessons learned from Greenville’s transformative journey.
In addition to early investments made by the City of Danville, DRF undertook significant redevelopment initiatives and played a pivotal role in downtown Danville’s remarkable transformation. They renovated a building on Bridge Street to serve as their offices and to house the new Averett University Nursing School, enhancing the community’s educational infrastructure. Following the advice of consultants, DRF also acquired and demolished the Downtowner Motor Inn, a deteriorating structure with no historic relevance, removing a significant eyesore from the area. This marked the beginning of the River District’s earnest and impactful revitalization.
Over the years, DRF has continued to make substantial investments in historic property acquisition, comprehensive studies, strategic planning efforts and catalytic projects that have contributed to the resurgence of the River District. Noteworthy among its initiatives is the Dan River Region Entrepreneur Ecosystem, a three-year pilot project designed to enhance collaboration within the entrepreneurial and start-up sectors of the Dan River Region. Additionally, DRF has provided critical support and resources to the local Main Street organization, the River District Association (RDA), a recent Great American Main Street Award (GAMSA) recipient, further underscoring its commitment to the district’s development.
“It is not hyperbole to state that without the investments of the Danville Regional Foundation, Danville would likely not be where it is today. Quite frankly, it may never have been without the investments of time, talent, and treasure by DRF leadership. They are the model of how a regional foundation can create conditions for successful change through collaboration and investment into the development of people, places, and ideas.” – Diana Schwartz, CEO, River District Association
As a champion for the local Main Street program, substantial funding and support from DRF has been instrumental in enabling Danville to achieve and maintain Accredited Main Street America (MSA) designation and Advancing Virginia Main Street (AVMS) tier-level status. Their commitment to RDA includes over $2 million in contributions, which fund the organization’s capacity and overhead.
Beyond financial support, DRF also invests in the professional development of RDA staff and volunteers. They provide workshops and certification opportunities for all team members, ensuring that RDA operates with the highest level of expertise and effectiveness. This comprehensive support reinforces the dedication of DRF to the sustained revitalization and success of the River District.
Photo Credit (DRF logo): Danville Regional Foundation
Photo Credit (HOME): Virginia Business
Photo Credit (VEDA): Virginia Economic Developers Association
Virginia Main Street 