Lynchburg‘s Fifth Street District was once the center of commerce for the city’s African-American community. In 2012, it formally became a National Historic District, undoubtedly worthy of preservation. Contributing to that designation, the building at 409 Fifth Street was originally constructed in 1936 to house the Moser Furniture Company and featured a charming colonial-style building in the front with a two-story warehouse at its rear.
After nearly 70 years in business, Moser Furniture relocated, putting the building – a significant contributing landmark to the district – at risk for dilapidation. After sitting mostly empty for two decades, 409 Fifth Street has undergone a remarkable transformation.
Aligned with the Downtown 2040 Master Plan, 409 Fifth Street has emerged as a beacon of revitalization. This historical gem is now a vibrant hub that embodies the essence of downtown Lynchburg – a bustling, inclusive urban core where commerce, culture and community converge.
The transformation began with a Virginia Main Street (VMS) Financial Feasibility Grant (FFG) awarded to the Downtown Lynchburg Association (DLA). The resources from this grant allowed DLA to conduct architectural, environmental and structural studies, review potential legal, financial and environmental issues and determine the building’s highest and best use.
Today, 409 Fifth Street stands as a testament to adaptive reuse done right, having led to two thriving businesses. PREAM (Plants Rule Everything Around Me) occupies the street-facing storefront, offering a haven for indoor gardening enthusiasts. At the rear ground-floor suite, Easy Speak Dance Hall and Events has become a cultural hotspot, offering dance lessons, live music events and a venue for private gatherings. With its eclectic mix of activities – from Ballroom to Latin dances and everything in between – Easy Speak Dance Hall has quickly become a cherished venue where locals come together to celebrate and socialize.
These businesses were supported by Launch LYH, a DLA program that supports entrepreneurs who are ready to start a new business, relocate their business or expand their existing business in a downtown storefront. This initiative is supported by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development‘s (DHCD) Community Business Launch (CBL) program.
Additional upper-floor suites, freshly finished and eagerly awaiting tenants, promise to further enrich the building’s dynamic mix. From professional offices to potential spaces for yoga studios or art galleries, these suites are poised to attract a diverse array of tenants, each contributing to the vibrant tapestry of Fifth Street.
The revitalization of 409 Fifth Street is more than just a renovation. It serves not only as a commercial hub but also as a catalyst for future revitalization efforts along Fifth Street, setting a precedent for adaptive reuse that demonstrates the power of preservation while fostering innovation.
Image Credit: LoopNet
Virginia Main Street 