North Raleigh Today

Ten communities in North Carolina are set to receive recognition for their efforts in downtown revitalization. The awards will be presented at the annual North Carolina Main Street Awards Ceremony on March 12, 2025, in Mooresville. Kenny Flowers, Assistant Secretary of Rural Development, and Liz Parham, Director of the N.C. Main Street and Rural Planning Center, will present awards in categories including design, organization, and economic vitality.

"North Carolina’s Main Street program sets a benchmark for excellence in downtown revitalization," stated N.C. Department of Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. "At its core, the program is dedicated to driving local economic growth and development, and these awards highlight the remarkable success and impact of that commitment."

Kenny Flowers commented on this year's awards: "This year’s N.C. Main Street Awards highlight innovative projects that enhance preservation efforts, celebrate culture and heritage, and create spaces in our downtowns that gather and build community." He also noted pride in honoring community leaders such as local government officials, developers, nonprofits, and small business owners.

The North Carolina Main Street and Rural Planning Center engages with various regions to inspire placemaking through asset-based economic development strategies aimed at achieving measurable results.

Liz Parham explained the significance of the awards: "The awards represent the best downtown revitalization projects in the state each year. The awards recognize both large- and small-scale projects, the rehabilitation of key downtown properties, compatible infill development, public-private partnerships, and accessible inclusive public space improvements."

A panel selected winners from twenty-nine nominations submitted by designated Main Street communities across the state.

The following projects received 2024 Awards of Merit:

ECONOMIC VITALITY

- Best Adaptive Reuse Project: Monroe - Piedmont Lofts; Salisbury - Bell Block Building

- Best Infill Building Project: Fuquay-Varina - The Q; Pittsboro - Doherty's Irish Pub & Restaurant

ORGANIZATION

- Best Public-Private Partnership in Downtown: Belmont - East End Façade Transformation; Bessemer City - Bessemer City Juneteenth Festival; Goldsboro - Aly's Memorial Garden

DESIGN

- Best Public Building Improvement: Concord - Cabarrus County Courthouse

- Best Outdoor Space Improvement: Mooresville - Liberty Park; Waxhaw - Waxhaw's Downtown Park

The N.C. Main Street program is marking its 45th anniversary this year. It has been improving downtown districts statewide using strategies developed by Main Street America.

For more information about the N.C. Main Street Awards or previous winners visit their website.