In the context of downtown revitalization, effective design doesn’t always require large-scale investments—small, strategic enhancements can have a significant and lasting impact. Whether it’s a splash of color, a place to rest, or a whimsical detail that sparks joy, small-scale projects can reinforce local identity, improve walkability, and foster a sense of place. These seemingly … More Simple Design Enhancements Encourage People to Linger Longer in Downtown Farmville

Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance (HDR) took a playful approach to economic development by turning dog lovers into downtown ambassadors! Last year, HDR launched HBurg Hounds, which promoted downtown Harrisonburg as a dog-friendly destination by showcasing the community’s growing number of dog-friendly businesses. HDR complied a comprehensive guide to dog-friendly patios, shops, and services, and printed rack cards … More Harrisonburg Unleashes its First Dog Mayor

June 20 marked the official start of summer, and there’s no better time to be in a Main Street community — whether you are shopping, dining or simply taking a stroll. As the days grow longer and hotter, now is the perfect time to consider the pedestrian experience. Unfortunately, we don’t have the ability to … More Trees Are More Than Just Beautification Tools

Virginia Main Street (VMS) extends heartfelt congratulations to Kathleen (Kathy) Frazier, co-founder and Principal-in-Charge of Frazier Associates, on her retirement. For decades, Frazier Associates has served as the official architectural firm for the VMS program, playing a pivotal role in advancing preservation-based revitalization efforts across the Commonwealth. It’s been an honor to collaborate with such … More Passing the Baton: Celebrating Kathy Frazier’s Legacy and Welcoming the Next Chapter

Every community has something that sets it apart from all the others. For the Town of Marion in southwest Virginia, one of these unique assets is being the birthplace of the modern Mountain Dew recipe. In the 1950s, William Jones became president of the Tip Corporation in Marion and acquired the trademark for Mountain Dew, … More Leveraging Your Unique Assets: Marion Mtn Dew Museum

In 2024, Altavista On Track was awarded a FY25 Downtown Investment Grant, totaling $54,000, from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development‘s (DHCD) Virginia Main Street program to support physical improvements and the installation of protective curbing in the street-facing parking lot of the Spark Innovation Center. Leveraging additional public investment from the Town … More New Parklet Ignites a Spark in Downtown Altavista

Virginia Main Street (VMS) hosted Spring Regional Rev Ups last month in Gloucester, Harrisonburg and Marion. Over 100 participants from the VMS network engaged in interactive sessions focused on fostering high-impact organizations. Led by Cindy Colson, Deputy Director of Partnerships, Consulting and Impact at the Center for Nonprofit Excellence, attendees learned to focus on three … More Building Stronger Nonprofits: How Leadership, Boards & Meetings Make the Difference

Rebecca Logan has served as the Executive Director of Main Street Lexington (MSL) for a little more than six years and was a founding board member of the organization in 2013. While six years may feel like a blip in some of our lives, it’s a lifetime in the Main Street world. Logan led downtown … More A Changing of the Guard in Lexington

May is Preservation Month! Led by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Preservation Month celebrates the cultural and built heritage of communities across the country. It’s a time to recognize and celebrate the places, stories, and individuals that have shaped the character of Virginia’s historic downtowns. Main Street programs across the Commonwealth continue to champion … More Make It Last: Celebrate Preservation Month in May