The City of Thomasville has been officially designated as a NC Main Street Program
{Contributed Photo: Sharon Myers/Davidson Local}
The City of Thomasville has been officially designated as a North Carolina Main Street Program, which will assist in the revitalization in downtown, support new and existing businesses and promote tourism to the area.
City leaders and community partners were presented with a certificate of designation from the North Carolina Main Street Program and Rural Planning Center during a special meeting of the city council on Monday.
“This designation reflects the hard work and collaboration of many individuals and organizations dedicated to the future of downtown Thomasville. Becoming a Main Street community opens the door for continued investment and revitalization,” said Tammy Joyce, director of Thomasville Downtown Economic Development.
The NC Main Street program, in coordination with Main Street America, is organized on a four-point approach focusing on economic vitality, design, promotion and organization. It includes strategic planning to enhance the appearance of historic buildings and encourage new businesses; promotion and marketing of the district; organizing groups with interest in the development of downtown and strengthening economic vitality
It also comes with a state recognition that Thomasville has met requirements to be recognized as a NC Main Street program following a two-year pre-qualification period.
In 2023, Thomasville was the only city chosen by NC Main Street to be designated as a Downtown Associate Community. City leaders worked with the NC Dept of Commerce to develop a downtown organization focusing on economic growth and development leading to the designation as a North Carolina Main Street community.
Some of the key accomplishments during this period includes launching community events and promotions to drive foot traffic to downtown; enhancing communication between property owners, business owners and the city; developing a Main Street program structured through PACE; initiating building improvements and planning for future streetscape improvements and listing the former police building with Preservation NC which is in the planning stages of redevelopment
“Your effort to build a strong organizational foundation, to complete a strategic economic development plan for downtown and your commitment to downtown revitalization makes Thomasville an excellent community for the Main Street Program. We are confident that your community will continue to experience economic growth and development downtown through your participation in this program,” wrote Reginald Speight, assistant secretary of NC Commerce Department Rural Economic Development in a letter to city officials.
This designation is the culmination of many years of work by local organizations, including PACE, a nonprofit downtown development organization chosen by the city to administer the program locally.
Since its creation in 1991, PACE has worked with city leadership to manage development projects like the Farmers Market, PACE Park Amphitheater, and streetscape improvements. It collaborated with officials and community stakeholders to create a comprehensive analysis and developed a plan for future development of downtown, including funding to support to establish a historic district downtown.
It offers facade grants for property owners, has created a mural art project and organized events such as the recent Painted Piano Festival, all to promote and support tourism and the revitalization of downtown.
“This designation marks a significant step forward in the city’s effort to foster a vibrant and resilient downtown. City officials, business leaders and residents are optimistic about the continued progress and partnership this new designation will help support,” said city officials in a written statement.
