Author: Brad Belo - Virginia Main Street

Abingdon, Ashland and Manassas Main Street programs receive matching tourism grants

January 3, 2014

Governor Bob McDonnell recently announced that three Main Street organizations would receive matching tourism grants as part of Virginia Tourism Corporation’s (VTC) Marketing Leverage Grant program. Abingdon Main Street will receive $5,000 for its “Shop, Dine, Play and Stay in Downtown” campaign; Historic Manassas, Inc. will receive $4,250 for a website makeover; and the Ashland … More Abingdon, Ashland and Manassas Main Street programs receive matching tourism grants

Hopewell, Martinsville and St. Paul receive funds to revitalize derelict downtown buildings

December 30, 2013

On Dec. 10, Governor Bob McDonnell announced more than $2 million in Industrial Revitalization Fund (IRF) grants, including grants for the designated VMS communities of Hopewell, Martinsville and St. Paul. The funds leverage local and private resources to achieve market-driven redevelopment of derelict structures, creating catalysts for long-term employment opportunities and on-going physical and economic … More Hopewell, Martinsville and St. Paul receive funds to revitalize derelict downtown buildings

Staunton’s West Beverly Street recognized as one of America’s Great Streets

December 18, 2013

Part of Staunton’s Main Street district was recently recognized as one of the 30 Great Places in America for 2013. The American Planning Association (APA) recognized West Beverly Street as one of America’s Great Streets. According to their website, APA celebrates places of exemplary character, quality and planning. Places are selected annually and represent the … More Staunton’s West Beverly Street recognized as one of America’s Great Streets

Curb Appeal: Create an inviting downtown pedestrian experience!

December 12, 2013

 ** Guest blogger Kathleen O. Frazier, AIA, Principal of Frazier Associates We often talk about the big design projects in downtown: overall building rehabilitation, façade improvements, new street lights and sidewalks, public spaces for events and so on. Creating curb appeal means looking at your community at eye level and from the perspective of the … More Curb Appeal: Create an inviting downtown pedestrian experience!

Mountains 2 Main Streets

December 10, 2013

** Guest blogger Katey Warren, Tourism PR specialist, Harrisonburg Tourism and Visitor Services  The tourism offices and downtown Main Street partners of Harrisonburg, Luray and Waynesboro, along with Massanutten Resort and Shenandoah National Park, have banded together to create the Mountains 2 Main Streets Passport Program, a regional initiative that engages and rewards Shenandoah Valley visitors. The … More Mountains 2 Main Streets

Commercial architecture in Virginia’s Main Street communities

December 6, 2013

Most Virginia Main Street communities trace their beginnings to the mid-18th to early-19th centuries, when the line between commercial and domestic architecture was often blurred. This was especially true for taverns or ordinaries, which frequently occupied former residences. In fact, many tavern keepers simply rented houses  in order to conduct their business. These ordinaries were some of the … More Commercial architecture in Virginia’s Main Street communities

Bristol, Abingdon and Marion Main Street Programs partner for a regional shop local campaign

December 4, 2013

Believe in Bristol is partnering up with the Main Street programs in Abingdon and Marion for a shop local campaign that will be launched over the holidays and last throughout the next year. It is a campaign that focuses on the importance of buying local and supporting the small businesses in our communities. Kenneth Heath, executive director … More Bristol, Abingdon and Marion Main Street Programs partner for a regional shop local campaign

What is Main Street Worth?

November 19, 2013

The Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service estimates that in Virginia real property taxes make up an average 57.8 percent of local revenue for cities and 31.2 percent for large towns. How significant a contributor is your Main Street district to this revenue stream? Joseph Minicozzi, the principal of Urban3 LLC, argues in a post on … More What is Main Street Worth?