Downtown Rehabilitation: Challenges and successes

February 9, 2011

Virginia’s downtown districts are teeming with historic buildings. While many of the buildings house businesses and offices, others, left vacant, have fallen into disrepair. Three Virginia communities have recently undertaken rehabilitation projects to revamp key historic assets into modern local landmarks—without detracting from their charm. In Roanoke, the recycling collection business Brenner and Cycle Systems, Inc. is working … More Downtown Rehabilitation: Challenges and successes

Staunton completes banner project

February 7, 2011

In 2010, the Staunton Downtown Development Association (SDDA)  received one of two community projects that took advantage of Virginia Main Street’s recent Downtown Improvement Grants to fund identity banners. (We took a look at the Culpeper’s banner project in the January 13 blog post.) Before the grant, Staunton had a priority-based budget and the funds to only place the banners in part of … More Staunton completes banner project

Classic settings for classic films

January 31, 2011

Community members working to revitalize their downtown often reminisce of Saturdays when residents poured into the streets. Frequently the movies are part of those recollections, and the black and white photos show it to be the case. People crowd the sidewalks, and on the marquee above them: Double Indemnity, Singing in the Rain, Some Like it Hot.  These classic … More Classic settings for classic films

Martinsville Courthouse Historic Virginia Site of the Month

January 18, 2011

The Department of Historic Resources (DHR) posted a new slide show for their web feature “Historic Virginia, Site of the Month.”  This month DHR features images and highlights of the changing nature of the circa-1824 Henry County Courthouse, which found new life in 2010 thanks to grants from Save America’s Treasures and the local Harvest … More Martinsville Courthouse Historic Virginia Site of the Month

Virginia Main Street Downtown Improvement Grants at work

January 13, 2011

In the summer of 2010, Virginia Main Street (VMS) provided seven Downtown Improvement Grants (DIGs)  that allowed designated Main Street communities to undertake specific projects for which they did not otherwise have funding. The small grants, capped at $2,500, were awarded in a competitive process based on projected outcomes, committee and volunteeer leadership, and the capacity to successfully complete the planned project. While Virginia Main … More Virginia Main Street Downtown Improvement Grants at work

New Year’s Resolution Poll

January 11, 2011

While the typical New Year’s resolution is abandoned somewhere around the long Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday weekend, there is a certain feeling of “anything’s possible” in the air during these first few weeks of January.  Now really can be a good time to set some goals.  Go ahead, think big.  If you don’t stretch yourself to do … More New Year’s Resolution Poll

Plan now to attend 2011 Main Street trainings

January 10, 2011

Now is the time to plan for 2011 downtown revitalization trainings.  The Virginia Main Street training calendar is available.  And on the national front, preparations are being made for the Main Streets Conference, this year to be held in Des Moines, Iowa. Don’t wait. Get these important dates inked in on your 2011 calendar today: March 31: Milestone Awards, Richmond May 22-25: … More Plan now to attend 2011 Main Street trainings

Main Street Merchant Profile: The Yellow Button

January 6, 2011

The Yellow Button, a clothing boutique for the fashionable in the heart of Harrisonburg, knows its cutomer. Students and  professionals in the Shendandoah Valley don’t want to give up access to quality clothes and accessories just because they’re not in a major urban area. In fact, this 2009 photo shoot, which uses Harrisonburg’s downtown streets as … More Main Street Merchant Profile: The Yellow Button

Newsweek profile shows benefit of comprehensive approach

December 29, 2010

Newsweek’s  recent coverage of the ongoing turnaround of Vineland, New Jersey’s historic commercial district demonstrates the value of a coordinated approach to downtown revitalization. Their strategy involves increasing access to capital and technical assistance for emerging businesses, public and private re-investment in the rehabilitation of historic buildings, and community engagement in a downtown district.  Sound familiar? Read the article, “How to Save … More Newsweek profile shows benefit of comprehensive approach