We don’t yet know what the new normal will be after the COVID-19 crisis winds down. But, we do know that keeping people engaged with places and people throughout the pandemic is a key to keeping them engaged in the future. One way to provide socially distant activities is through guided smartphone-based apptivities, such as … More Creating Interactive Apptivities for Downtowns
While normally Virginians hunker down during the hottest and coldest months, sheltering in place during the COVID-19 pandemic has invigorated within some people a desire to be outside when normally they would have stayed home. Our neighboring Main Street programs in the Northeast, Midwest and Mountain states can offer many ideas that celebrate winter in … More Activating Outdoor Spaces in Winter
Recently, the Garden Club of Virginia (GCV) celebrated urban landscapes at its fall forum, recognizing the Main Street programs of both Gloucester and Lexington, Virginia for their efforts to bring shade, flowers and fresh greenery into historic hardscapes through innovative techniques and plantings. Techniques highlighted by the GCV include: Large-Scale Self-Watering Planters: These planters are … More Lexington and Gloucester, VA Recognized by Garden Club of Virginia for Innovative Greening of Hardscapes
Spanning seven years and seven blocks, St. Paul finally completed its comprehensive downtown infrastructure project in 2019. Lead by the town, with input from St. Paul Tomorrow’s Design Committee in the early stages, this $16 million project reconstructed the stormwater system, sidewalks, curbing, roadways, crosswalks, water lines and sanitary sewer lines. The need for upgrading … More 2020 Best Public Improvement Project: St. Paul
In order to meet new challenges and ensure an effective Main Street revitalization effort, program participants need ongoing training. Those participants – both staff and local community leaders – need different skills in different phases of the revitalization process. For that reason, the Virginia Main Street program offers a robust training calendar tackling basic revitalization … More Stay Current On Issues That Affect Traditional Commercial Districts
How do you feel about free assistance to generate new ideas for attracting visitors to downtown? How about an added layer of resources to complement your Main Street America membership services and make it just that much easier to improve downtown? For 30 years, veteran Main Street partner Roger Brooks has helped thousands of people … More Transform Ordinary Downtowns into Successful Destinations
If you are looking for the holiday spirit, look no further than Virginia’s Main Streets. Whether a holiday shopping promotion, a tree lighting, or a downtown evening carriage ride, there is a special experience just for you and your family. Our partners at #VirginiaTourism make sure you can plan this season’s special moments with the … More Walking in a Main Street Wonderland: Celebrating the Holidays in Virginia
The Downtown Crozet Initiative, a DHCD Commercial District Affiliate community organization, is embracing cutting-edge technology to help make visiting downtown a convenient, zero-emission experience, shuttling customers from a parking area into the commercial core. While it may sound more Jetsons than Main Street, this is the real deal. Crozet’s Perrone Robotics, Inc., JAUNT, Inc. and … More Autonomous Transit Shuttle Service to Launch in Crozet
Guest Blogger Andrea Dono, executive director of Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance, has extensive experience in Main Street revitalization and community-based economic development, including 10 years at the National Main Street Center. Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance is thrilled to co-host the Virginia Main Street Downtown Intersections, July 16-18, 2018, and welcome you to our community in just a … More Welcome to Downtown Harrisonburg!
During an annual legislative reception hosted last week, First Lady Pam Northam highlighted the findings of two just-completed studies showing the sustained and substantial contribution that historic preservation makes to Virginia’s economy, specifically through the state and federal historic rehabilitation tax credits (HRTCs) One study, conducted by the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and … More New Report Shows Historic Tax Credits Boost Virginia’s Economy
