2014 Virginia Main Street Milestone Achievement Awards Announced

March 21, 2014

More than 90 downtown revitalization volunteers and professionals attended the Virginia Main Street Milestone Achievement Awards Luncheon on March 19  at Richmond’s historic Hippodrome Theater. Main Street communities and organizations were recognized for achieving notable milestones in volunteer contribution, private investment and building rehabilitation. Destination Downtown South Boston received a Special Achievement Award and the Partnership … More 2014 Virginia Main Street Milestone Achievement Awards Announced

Harrisonburg is named 2014 Great American Main Street semifinalist

March 17, 2014

Congratulations to the city of Harrisonburg, which was recently named by the National Trust for Historic Preservation as one of the top 10 semifinalists for the 2014 Great American Main Street Awards (GAMSA). The semifinalists have demonstrated their ability to preserve their unique history while creating and maintaining vibrant, successful commercial districts that serve as … More Harrisonburg is named 2014 Great American Main Street semifinalist

Entire block of Bristol’s Main Street district to become boutique hotel

February 10, 2014

Over the next 18 months, an entire block of Bristol’s Main Street district will be transformed into a destination hospitality complex centered around a new 70-room luxury boutique hotel called the Sessions Hotel. The project by Creative Boutique Hotels (CBH), which includes Hal Craddock, Cornerstone Hospitality and MB Contractors, will span nearly the entire 800 … More Entire block of Bristol’s Main Street district to become boutique hotel

Downtown Harrisonburg Named Virginia’s First Culinary District

January 31, 2014

As of Jan. 28, 2014, with approval of the city council of the city of Harrisonburg, Downtown Harrisonburg has adopted the designation of a Downtown Culinary District. Harrisonburg is the first city in Virginia to receive this designation. Several factors contributed to the recognition of Harrisonburg’s Downtown Culinary District. Many large, food-related businesses, including City … More Downtown Harrisonburg Named Virginia’s First Culinary District

Major construction projects in Virginia’s Main Street districts

January 22, 2014

Designated Virginia Main Street communities have seen more than $741 millions of private investment since 1985. Private investment on Main Street ranges from the replacement of awnings or a new door to multi-million dollar rehabilitation or construction projects. In 2013, major construction projects added or will soon add new commercial, residential, educational and entertainment venues … More Major construction projects in Virginia’s Main Street districts

Abingdon, Ashland and Manassas Main Street programs receive matching tourism grants

January 3, 2014

Governor Bob McDonnell recently announced that three Main Street organizations would receive matching tourism grants as part of Virginia Tourism Corporation’s (VTC) Marketing Leverage Grant program. Abingdon Main Street will receive $5,000 for its “Shop, Dine, Play and Stay in Downtown” campaign; Historic Manassas, Inc. will receive $4,250 for a website makeover; and the Ashland … More Abingdon, Ashland and Manassas Main Street programs receive matching tourism grants

Hopewell, Martinsville and St. Paul receive funds to revitalize derelict downtown buildings

December 30, 2013

On Dec. 10, Governor Bob McDonnell announced more than $2 million in Industrial Revitalization Fund (IRF) grants, including grants for the designated VMS communities of Hopewell, Martinsville and St. Paul. The funds leverage local and private resources to achieve market-driven redevelopment of derelict structures, creating catalysts for long-term employment opportunities and on-going physical and economic … More Hopewell, Martinsville and St. Paul receive funds to revitalize derelict downtown buildings

Staunton’s West Beverly Street recognized as one of America’s Great Streets

December 18, 2013

Part of Staunton’s Main Street district was recently recognized as one of the 30 Great Places in America for 2013. The American Planning Association (APA) recognized West Beverly Street as one of America’s Great Streets. According to their website, APA celebrates places of exemplary character, quality and planning. Places are selected annually and represent the … More Staunton’s West Beverly Street recognized as one of America’s Great Streets

Curb Appeal: Create an inviting downtown pedestrian experience!

December 12, 2013

 ** Guest blogger Kathleen O. Frazier, AIA, Principal of Frazier Associates We often talk about the big design projects in downtown: overall building rehabilitation, façade improvements, new street lights and sidewalks, public spaces for events and so on. Creating curb appeal means looking at your community at eye level and from the perspective of the … More Curb Appeal: Create an inviting downtown pedestrian experience!