Gate City Frontier is continuing to build momentum around its vision for a more vibrant and welcoming downtown. Building on the success of its first round of streetscape improvements, the organization secured another Virginia Main Street Community Vitality Grant (CVG) to advance their #GateCityProud project.
#GateCityProud is part of a larger effort to enhance the look, feel, and experience of downtown Gate City, encouraging both residents and visitors to spend more time enjoying local businesses and public spaces.
With support from the CVG and strong partnerships with the Town of Gate City and local stakeholders, the initiative has delivered a wide range of visible improvements, including:
- Two new murals that add to Gate City’s growing public art scene and highlight local culture
- Umbrellas, landscaping, and streetscape beautification to provide shade, comfort, and an inviting atmosphere downtown
- A new town welcome sign honoring Gate City native and three-time NBA Slam Dunk Champion Mac McClung, unveiled during a community celebration
- More than $30,000 in public investment leveraged through partnerships and local contributions
“We are incredibly grateful for the support of the Community Vitality Grant, which has played a crucial role in advancing our Gate City Proud Streetscape Project,” said Leslie Crawford, the executive director of Gate City Frontier. “This funding not only allowed us to accomplish our initial goals, but also empowered us to exceed them—maximizing our leveraged resources, engaging new stakeholders, and significantly expanding the overall impact and footprint of the project.”
These visible improvements build on Gate City’s identity and pride, while also strengthening the community’s sense of place. By combining creativity, local partnerships, and outside investment, the #GateCityProud project continues to transform downtown into a destination that reflects the community’s character and aspirations.
Photo Credit: Gate City Frontier
Virginia Main Street 