Welcome to Suffolk, VA, the original home of Planters Peanut and Chocolate company (and Mr. Peanut) and a remaining leader in peanut processing. If you find yourself with a day to spend in this Exploring Main Street community and the largest city in Virginia (by boundary land area), here’s how to pack all of the … More 24 Hours in the Peanut Capital of the World
Recently, the exterior of Amazement Square, Central Virginia’s first multidisciplinary, hands-on children’s museum, was craft-bombed by the folks at Yarn for Unity (Y4U), a Creative Collective of Craftivists interested in volunteering to create public installations and immersive experiences that promote compassion and unity in local communities. After the first installation was crafted, the public was … More Yarning for Unity in Downtown Lynchburg
The Virginia Statewide Business District Resurgence Grant fund seeks to advance and accelerate the post-pandemic recovery of Virginia’s business and commercial district. Specifically, these funds will support historically economically disadvantaged communities and other business districts that have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. Through expanding organizational and business support grants, funding is envisioned to provide … More Virginia Statewide Business District Resurgence Grant: HTA Webinar Recording & Additional Resources
Recently, Main Street America (MSA) announced that 883 Main Street programs from across the nation have earned Accredited status! Excitingly, 23 Main Street programs in Virginia earned MSA’s top tier of recognition. This exclusive designation signifies a demonstrated commitment to comprehensive community revitalization and a proven track record of successfully applying the Main Street Approach to such efforts. … More Main Street America Announces 2021 Accredited and Affiliate Communities
Educational Webinar In June, Virginia DHCD welcomed Jenifer Acosta (left), Allison Quinlan (middle) and Bernice Radle (right) to discuss small-scale, incremental development and how communities can provide middle housing that’s much needed and will last and be loved for generations. Click here to check out the webinar recording and learn more about why housing is … More CCV Series: June 2021 Recap & Additional Resources
Alongside the Virginia Main Street (VMS) program, Main Street America (MSA) encourages all those interested to submit a session proposal for next year’s Main Street Now Conference in Richmond, Virginia! Sessions will focus on three thematic areas and perennial downtown and commercial district management topics guided by the Main Street Approach are also welcomed. Keeping … More 2022 Main Street Now Conference: Call for Proposals
Recently, six talented Kettle Run High School students, all members of the National Art Honor Society, painted a whimsical and inspiring mural in Old Town Warrenton, spreading the simple message of “Be Kind. Spread Love.” Their teacher, Tisha Burke, sought to have her art students become more involved in the community, and Warrenton’s local Main … More Art Students Paint New Mural in Old Town Warrenton
In February, the UVA Institute for Engagement & Negotiation, in partnership with Governor Ralph Northam and his administration, hosted a Summit on Equitable Collaboration. Over the course of two days, experienced professionals and leaders from across the Virginia met to discuss and share their experiences increasing collaboration within a variety of fields. This Summit was an … More Virginia Governor’s Summit on Equitable Collaboration: Next Steps and Final Report
Our guest blogger, Frazier Associates, has been a leader in helping communities and individuals enhance their downtowns, neighborhoods, homes and buildings since 1986. As a full-service architecture and planning firm, they specialize in downtown revitalization, adaptive reuse, historic preservation, urban infill, community planning, wayfinding, corridor planning and residential design. As lovers of historic downtowns, we … More Main Street Façade Transformed in Downtown Staunton
Recently, Main Street America (MSA) had an opportunity to speak with Corey Leon, Field Director of the Central Team at the National Development Council, trainer for the Historic Real Estate Finance Certification series and an expert on real estate financing to discuss how the pandemic has influenced real estate development deals and how Main Street … More Historic Real Estate Financing on Main Street
Virginia Main Street 