Virginia Main Street

Bristol, Abingdon and Marion Main Street Programs partner for a regional shop local campaign

December 4, 2013

Believe in Bristol is partnering up with the Main Street programs in Abingdon and Marion for a shop local campaign that will be launched over the holidays and last throughout the next year. It is a campaign that focuses on the importance of buying local and supporting the small businesses in our communities. Kenneth Heath, executive director … More Bristol, Abingdon and Marion Main Street Programs partner for a regional shop local campaign

What is Main Street Worth?

November 19, 2013

The Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service estimates that in Virginia real property taxes make up an average 57.8 percent of local revenue for cities and 31.2 percent for large towns. How significant a contributor is your Main Street district to this revenue stream? Joseph Minicozzi, the principal of Urban3 LLC, argues in a post on … More What is Main Street Worth?

Historic Preservation on Main Street

November 15, 2013

Last fall a 9,000-square-foot commercial building was demolished in the heart of a Main Street district in Virginia to create more parking. The loss of the building permanently erased a piece of the architectural history and character of the historic downtown. It also opened up a 35-foot-long hole in the urban fabric of the historic … More Historic Preservation on Main Street

Bringing New Businesses to Main Street

October 30, 2013

Retaining and growing existing businesses and encouraging the development of new businesses are primary goals of every Main Street organization. Here is how some of Virginia’s Main Street communities are working to strengthen and diversify their downtown business communities. Marion Downtown Revitalization Association (MDRA) is wrapping up the third round of its “Pop-Up Marion” Small Business … More Bringing New Businesses to Main Street

VMS now accepting applications for Financial Feasibility Grants

September 3, 2013

Applications due Monday, September 30, 2013 by 5:00 p.m. Financial Feasibility Grants of up to $25,000 per designated community are now available. Financial Feasibility Grants allow Main Street organizations to work with owners of significant “white elephant” buildings to identify the highest and best use of such properties and to develop sufficient information to allow … More VMS now accepting applications for Financial Feasibility Grants

ArtScapes – Outdoor Art Galleries

August 30, 2013

2013 is the eighth year for the Rice Lake Main Street Association (Wisconsin) ArtScape, a banner program that showcases locally-created art, provides a unique twist on an outdoor gallery experience and encourages pedestrians to stroll and traffic to slow through downtown. Invited artists, who often range in age from 12 to 80, are given blank … More ArtScapes – Outdoor Art Galleries

VMS Essentials Workshop in Culpeper Sept. 11-12

August 7, 2013

Sept. 11-12, 2013 The Culpeper Center 137 South Main Street Culpeper, Virginia So, your community is known for a festival or two, and the historic commercial district is showing signs of life? It is time to take the next step. Design and economic restructuring strategies cannot only improve the appearance and vibrancy of your downtown, … More VMS Essentials Workshop in Culpeper Sept. 11-12

Marion Gets New Buy Local Mural

July 23, 2013

Murals provide unique and memorable public art to Main Street districts. As Lucy Meade, director of marketing and development for Venture Richmond stated to the Richmond Times Dispatch, “It’s fun for the community to have public art. Most people stumble upon (the murals), which is neat. It’s like a little gift around the corner.” Though … More Marion Gets New Buy Local Mural

Virginia Main Street Summer Toolkit

June 13, 2013

Location: Gateway Theater 329 West Main Street Waynesboro, Virginia Every Main Street community focuses its economic redevelopment on the assets that make it unique – its historic architecture, eclectic mix of shopping and dining and festivals. But only a short hike, paddle or bike ride away is often an undervalued asset waiting to be incorporated … More Virginia Main Street Summer Toolkit

Governor McDonnell announces designation of two new Virginia Main Street communities

June 10, 2013

On June 7, Governor Bob McDonnell announced the designation of two new Virginia Main Street communities. With the addition of Ashland and Fredericksburg to the network, the total number of designated Virginia Main Street communities now stands at 26. “I am pleased to welcome these communities to the Virginia Main Street program,” said Governor McDonnell. “By supporting … More Governor McDonnell announces designation of two new Virginia Main Street communities