Category: Downtown

Pop-up shops a temporary solution to the empty storefront

August 10, 2010

With commercial real estate continuing to reel from the economic downturn, some major brands are looking at temporary leases in heavy volume areas.  Empty storefronts are not good for anyone, and leases in desireable areas have become much more flexible. These “pop-up” stores are potential strategies for fledging businesses trying out a concept, artists promoting their work, … More Pop-up shops a temporary solution to the empty storefront

Staunton to host Virginia Microenterprise Network conference

August 6, 2010

On September 30 and October 1,  the designated Virginia Main Street community of Staunton will host the annual Virginia Microenterprise Network  conference. This year’s  theme is Revitalizing Neighborhoods through Entrepreneurship. The program includes a look at entrepreneurship in the Queen City;  the role of craft,  green building, and farm-based strategies in revitalization; identifying and supporting emerging neighborhood entrepreneurs; and … More Staunton to host Virginia Microenterprise Network conference

Vote for the top 25 Virginia Main Street “Downtown Dining Destinations”

July 20, 2010

The Virginia Main Street staff does a lot of travelling each year and that travel can be hard on the stomach.  Luckily, we know that when we arrive, the local hospitality of our destination Main Street communities will be evident, and the top rate dining choices will be numerous. While having an office day, we … More Vote for the top 25 Virginia Main Street “Downtown Dining Destinations”

Virginia Main Street Downtown Improvement Grants awarded

June 29, 2010

Seven designated Virginia Main Street (VMS) communities have been awarded VMS Downtown Improvement Grants in a special initiative marking the program’s 25th anniversary. Successful proposals in the competitive process demonstrated:  Measurable impacts or deliverables; Committee or volunteer project leadership/involvement; Partnerships and resource leveraging; Local government involvement or support; Up-to-date program reporting; and The ability to complete the … More Virginia Main Street Downtown Improvement Grants awarded

Guest Blogger: Warrenton’s Charla L. Malone on Main Street’s ambush-style makeover

June 24, 2010

Today, we are obsessed with makeovers.  On television, everything is given a chance for dramatic overhaul, from houses and children’s behavior to 18-wheelers and, of course, the face. Wouldn’t it be great to harness that interest and use it to motivate more people to walk your Main Street? The Partnership for Old Town Warrenton did just that … More Guest Blogger: Warrenton’s Charla L. Malone on Main Street’s ambush-style makeover

Putting events to work for your downtown district

June 22, 2010

Why do you do it? That festival takes months of planning. The parade risks being rained out. There are suddenly four previously un-calendared community events on the same weekend as the chili cook-off; the band shows up late; and the vendors haven’t brought enough change. Events can be a real headache. But you still put … More Putting events to work for your downtown district

Cultivating an Entrepreneurial Downtown: Summer toolkit registration now open

June 18, 2010

Wouldn’t you like to have a downtown filled with energetic and forward thinking businesses? In today’s fast changing economy, success belongs to those nimble risk takers who understand that their job is to fill consumer demand; The Entrepreneurs.  Join the Virginia Main Street network of downtown revitalization professionals and volunteers in Franklin on July 22 and 23 … More Cultivating an Entrepreneurial Downtown: Summer toolkit registration now open