(Richmond) — Another Southside city is getting high marks for downtown redevelopment.
Governor Glenn Youngkin Monday announced nine new organizations for the Advancing Virginia Main Street Designation. Martinsville’s “Uptown Partnership” is among the new members.
Virginia’s Main Street communities get access to services to strengthen their downtowns, including market analysis, marketplace development, design assistance, organization development, economic strategies, and façade renderings.
“The Virginia Main Street program has been instrumental in nurturing small businesses, growing local economies, and preserving historic downtowns for nearly 40 years,” said Youngkin. “I applaud these newly designated Virginia Main Street communities for their commitment to revitalization, and I look forward to your community’s continued success.”
Virginia uses the National Main Street Center’s® comprehensive, incremental Main Street Approach® to downtown revitalization, which is built around a community’s unique heritage, culture, and historic building attributes.
“Downtowns are the heart and soul of many communities across the Commonwealth, and these newly designated communities are no exception,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Caren Merrick. “The Virginia Main Street program offers crucial investments to support their economic development while preserving the unique cultures and histories that make Virginia’s downtown areas such tourism destinations. Main Street investments are a key driver to making Virginia the best place to live, work and raise a family.”
Danville’s River District Association is already a Main Street Community. Last month Main Street awarded the RDA a Small Area Plan grant covering North Union Street, and the North Main Hill.
The RDA envisions starting with small projects like green space enhancements; wayfinding and façade improvements. Later efforts could include a transportation, mobility, and pedestrian safety plans. Long-term suggestions could include designating the areas as an Historic District—developing a zoning overlay district—and developing more green space.
Since 1985, Virginia Main Street communities have generated more than $2.6 billion in public and private investment. New businesses locating, expanding, or moving to Virginia Main Street communities have created more than 27,000 jobs.
“The Main Street Approach® is a time-tested, flexible framework to foster community-driven, comprehensive community revitalization,” said Director of the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development Bryan Horn. “We are extremely proud of our Virginia Main Street communities and are excited to be continuing a strong tradition of supporting local economies across the Commonwealth.”