Governor Warner, Preservation Leaders Celebrate Virginia's Downtown Revitalization Successes
Governor Warner, Preservation Leaders Celebrate Virginia's Downtown Revitalization Successes
President of the National Trust for Historic Preservation joins in recognition of Virgina Main Street milestones
http://www.governor.virginia.gov/Press_Policy/Releases/2005/Mar05/0330.htmGovernor Mark R. Warner toured Warrenton's downtown Main Street before speaking to a statewide gathering of Virginia's Main Street community leaders at the Virginia Main Street Milestone Awards program. Richard Moe, President of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, joined Governor Warner to recognize Virginia Main Street communities for significant achievements in downtown revitalization.
"Virginia's downtowns unique, historic treasures that are important to our local and regional economies," said Governor Warner. "Since 1985, Virginia's Main Street communities have encouraged approximately $300 million in private investment in their downtowns. The program has proven invaluable as we preserve and revitalize our downtown areas and ensure that Virginia's Main Street communities are excellent places to live, work, and do business."
Moe joined Governor Warner in his praise for the Virginia Main Street communities. He also gave a keynote address during the program in which he highlighted the importance of Main Street communities carving out their own niche in the retail market.
"The Main Street program's nationwide accomplishments are mirrored in the successes of Main Street communities here in Virginia, where communities have invested in their historic resources and seen a dramatic transformation of their downtowns, not just in improved facades, but in new businesses and new jobs created, new tax revenues generated, and - perhaps most important - a new spirit of confidence and energy in places that had long been known for disinvestment," said Moe.
The Virginia Main Street Program, managed by the Department of Housing and Community Development, provides assistance and training to help communities increase the economic vitality of their downtown commercial districts. Currently there are 20 designated Main Street communities.
The Virginia Main Street Milestone Awards recognize designated Main Street communities for excellence in two categories; amount of private investment dollars and number of volunteer hours contributed toward improving downtowns.
For more information about the Virginia Main Street program call (804) 371-7030 or visit the DHCD Web site.
2005 Virginia Main Street Milestone Awards
Private Investment*
* $35 Million
City of Winchester and Winchester Old Town Development Board
* $25 Million
Town of Culpeper and Culpeper Renaissance, Inc.
City of Lynchburg and Lynch's Landing, Inc.
* $20 Million
Town of Warrenton and Partnership for Warrenton Foundation, Inc.
* $15 Million
Town of Orange and Orange Downtown Alliance, Inc.
* $10 Million
Town of Marion and Marion Downtown Revitalization Association
* $1 Million
City of Danville and Downtown Danville Association
Town of South Boston and Destination Downtown South Boston
*total investment since local program inception
Volunteer Investment*
* 35,000 Volunteer Hours
Lynch's Landing, Inc. in Lynchburg
* 15,000 Volunteer Hours
Bedford Main Street, Inc.
Downtown Franklin Association
Historic Manassas, Inc.
Community Partnership for the Revitalization of Rocky Mount
* 10,000 Volunteer Hours
Culpeper Renaissance, Inc.
Martinsville Uptown Revitalization Association
Staunton Downtown Development Association
* 5,000 Volunteer Hours
Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance
Waynesboro Downtown Development, Inc.
* 1,000 Volunteer Hours
Luray Downtown Initiative
Destination Downtown South Boston
* the Virginia Main Street Program began tracking volunteer hours in 1997.
http://www.governor.virginia.gov/Press_Policy/Releases/2005/Mar05/0330.htm