The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) has designated Covington as an Advancing Virginia Main Street (AVMS) community, along with eight other communities!
The community defined by its industrial heritage, natural beauty, and strong sense of togetherness. Located in the Alleghany Highlands, the city was first settled in 1746 along the Jackson River, the main tributary of the James River, which provided a clear economic connection with eastern Virginia. An abundance of timber, iron ore and other raw materials in the immediate area drove expansion and by 1819, Covington was incorporated as an industrial town supporting an agrarian population in the county.
Covington’s identity also has been shaped by its deep roots in the paper industry. Smurfit WestRock, one of the largest employers in the region, has been a part of the city for several generations, supporting a resilient, hard-working community.
Population peaked in 1970 and the completion of interstate I-64 enabled both regional growth and suburban retail development which shifted local shopping patterns away from the downtown. When a fire destroyed the Hercules fibers plant in 1980, resulting in the loss of 500 jobs, the local population declined rapidly leaving a raft of vacant buildings held by absentee landlords in its wake.
Olde Town Covington (OTC) spearheads the local Main Street effort in collaboration with the City of Covington. Together, they are actively pursuing opportunities to enhance community vitality by focusing on economic revitalization, historic preservation and engaging the community not only with events but also placemaking projects in the downtown area, such as the Alley Gallery. A public art initiative, the Alley Gallery, connects the local museum with rear parking areas adjacent to the downtown with creativity and visual appeal.
Covington’s Main Street district is a compact, walkable area that serves as the cultural and commercial heart of the city. The district is anchored by historic buildings that date back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, reflecting the city’s industrial heritage. The architectural character of the district includes brick facades, decorative cornices and traditional storefronts with large display windows, giving the area a charming, small-town feel.
In the next five years, OTC and the City of Covington plan to focus on further organizational development, hiring a full-time executive director, and initiating several key historic preservation projects within the Main Street district. OTC works with local and regional partners such as the Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Tourism, the Alleghany Foundation, and the City of Covington. Together, these groups work to position the community as a regional destination for outdoor recreation, cultural events and historical tourism.
Olde Town Covington’s near-term goal is to encourage rehabilitation and reuse of several historic commercial buildings that have fallen into disrepair while maintaining their architectural integrity and heritage while also fostering economic revitalization. These under utilized and “white elephant” properties are prime targets for adaptive reuse, transforming them into vibrant spaces for businesses, housing, community services, and small businesses.
Virginia Main Street extends its congratulations to Covington on achieving AVMS designation, and we look forward to continuing our support as the community progresses toward securing and successfully maintaining Main Street America Accreditation!
Image Credit (Downtown Covington) – Olde Town Covington
Image Credit (Waterfall) – Blue Ridge Country
Image Credit (Alley Gallery) – The Alleghany Journal
Image Credit (Downtown Covington) – Alleghany Highlands
Virginia Main Street 