Last month, the Phoebus Partnership welcomed City of Hampton council members and department directors into their newly designated Advancing Virginia Main Street (AVMS) district for “Walk the Block.” Attendees were presented with Partnership swag (including t-shirts with their new logos), and the event served as an ideal platform for continued municipal support of their Main Street program.
During a 0.9-mile guided walking tour, the group explored the district’s unique destinations and met local business owners. Along the way, recent successes, such as the waterfront park and living shoreline initiative, were celebrated, and potential opportunities, including key development sites on Howard Street and the adaptive reuse of the historic Fire Station, were discussed.
The tour highlighted Phoebus’ thriving Arts & Cultural District, featuring new public art, Instagram-worthy murals, and galleries. The owner of Art Central, a Retail Alliance grant recipient through the Retail Technical Assistance Downtown Phoebus project, spoke to the group, along with owners of Native Soul Bar & Market, the soon-to-open Culaccino Italian Restaurant, and STUFT, sharing firsthand accounts of the challenges and successes faced by district entrepreneurs.
A stop at the American Theater emphasized the Partnership’s support for community events like the Summer Movie Series and Jazz Festival, illustrating how promotional activities contribute to the district’s economic vitality. Public Works provided updates on critical infrastructure projects, including upcoming sewage work, underscoring long-term public investment in the district. The tour concluded with lunch at Grey Goose, offering attendees a chance to network, reflect, and build collaborative connections for ongoing success.
“Walk the Block Phoebus was more than just a tour, it was a powerful way to connect city leadership with the people, places, and potential that make Phoebus so special. It gave city leaders a chance to step into our day-to-day reality: to meet the business owners, see the tangible progress we’ve made as a Main Street community, and better understand where support is still needed. These face-to-face experiences are essential for building the trust, alignment, and shared vision we need to move Phoebus forward. We’re already planning to make it a yearly event!”
– Gina Facteau, Executive Director of the Phoebus Partnership
“Walk the Block” successfully engaged municipal decision-makers by connecting them to the people and places that define Phoebus’ historic commercial district. For Phoebus to continue thriving, local leaders must remain connected not only to plans but to the community that makes the district unique. Through authentic experiences and honest conversations, leaders will be better equipped to turn potential into lasting progress.
Photo credit: Blaire Buergler & The Phoebus Partnership
Virginia Main Street 