Four localities join downtown revitalization program

Published March 28, 2016 by Robert Powell, III

Four communities have been accepted into Virginia Main Street program, a statewide downtown revitalization project.

The newly-designated localities include Danville, Gloucester Courthouse, Lexington and Wytheville. With the new designations, there now are 29 designated Virginia Main Street communities.

Begun in 1985, the Main Street program focused on economic revitalization through the development of sustainable downtown districts. The program includes assessment services, technical assistance, training, access to grants and other initiatives.

In 2015, $18.8 million was invested in Virginia Main Street districts through rehabilitations, façade improvement projects and critical upgrades.

Local governments invested more than $19 million in projects that improved their downtown districts. 

New business openings, expansions, and relocations in the Virginia’s Main Street communities last year realized a net gain of 800 jobs.

Since 2010, private investment in Virginia Main Street districts has totaled more than $167 million.