Virginia Main Street

In 2024, Altavista On Track was awarded a FY25 Downtown Investment Grant, totaling $54,000, from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development‘s (DHCD) Virginia Main Street program to support physical improvements and the installation of protective curbing in the street-facing parking lot of the Spark Innovation Center. Leveraging additional public investment from the Town of Altavista, the goal of the project was to enhance the amenities offered by Spark, increase utilization of the facility, and improve the overall aesthetic of Altavista’s historic downtown district.

In less than a year, the space has been successfully transformed. What was once an empty, uninviting concrete slab has been converted into a vibrant and welcoming outdoor space. The area outside the Spark Innovation Center now features comfortable seating, colorful décor, greenery, and Wi-Fi access—creating an inviting environment that encourages community interaction. It has become a place to meet, learn, and connect.

The Spark Parklet is more than just a place to sit—it’s a symbol of Altavista’s commitment to innovation and placemaking. We envision it as a hub for connection, collaboration, and creativity—right in the heart of downtown.” – Autumn Evans, Director of the Spark Innovation Center

To celebrate this significant milestone, the community hosted a grand opening for the newly completed Spark Parklet—marking a vibrant new chapter in downtown Altavista’s ongoing revitalization.

BEFORE

AFTER

Parklets like this one are a simple but powerful tool in the larger effort to make downtowns more inviting, people-focused, and economically vibrant. They may be small in size, but they can have a big impact—especially when thoughtfully placed at / around key community assets. Whether someone is taking a coffee break, meeting with a client, or simply enjoying the scenery, a well-designed parklet adds life to the street and helps to create a thriving downtown community.

Great job Altavista!