Thirteen communities were recognized for their achievements in downtown revitalization during the North Carolina Main Street Awards Ceremony held on March 11 in New Bern. The awards, presented by North Carolina Department of Commerce Chief Deputy Secretary Kenny Flowers, Assistant Secretary of Rural Economic Development Reginald Speight, and Director of the North Carolina Main Street & Rural Planning Center Liz Parham, honored projects in categories such as Economic Vitality, Design, Promotion, and Organization.
The event highlights the importance of downtown areas as centers for economic growth and community engagement. N.C. Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley said, “North Carolina’s Main Streets are more than historic corridors—they’re engines of innovation and community pride. These award winners show how creativity and collaboration can transform downtowns into exciting destinations where businesses thrive and people connect. Their work reflects the future of economic development in our state.”
Reginald Speight said, “This year’s Main Street Awards celebrate the power of vision and partnership. These projects don’t just revitalize buildings, they spark opportunity, strengthen local economies, and create places where people truly belong. We applaud the communities and leaders who are shaping vibrant, resilient downtowns for generations to come.” Liz Parham added that “The North Carolina Main Street Awards showcase the most impactful downtown revitalization projects across our state each year. These awards celebrate projects of all sizes, from the rehabilitation of historic properties to innovative infill development, business enhancement and promotion activities, and strong public-private partnerships and improvements that create accessible, inclusive public spaces.”
A panel selected this year’s winners from 28 nominations submitted by nearly two dozen designated Main Street communities statewide. Projects receiving 2025 Awards of Merit included The Harvey in New Bern (Best Adaptive Reuse Project), Downtown Hendersonville Opportunity Fund (Best Business Retention/Expansion/Recruitment Effort), Depot Plaza in Sylva (Best Infill Building Project), Bassmaster Elite Series – Hooked on the Harbor in Elizabeth City (Best Downtown Special Event or Event Series), Buck Wild in Morganton (Best Retail Promotion), Pine-Nash Redevelopment in Wilson (Best Public-Private Partnership), Downtown Concord Streetscape (Best Outdoor Space Improvement), Elm Street Pocket Park in Lumberton (Best Outdoor Space Improvement), Pittsboro Pop Up Park (Best Outdoor Space Improvement), Osage Mill in Bessemer City (Best Historic Rehabilitation Project), Sanford Savings and Loan (Best Historic Rehabilitation Project), Holland Building in Statesville (Best Historic Rehabilitation Project), and Old Cherry Inn in Tarboro (Best Historic Rehabilitation Project).
The N.C. Main Street Program is marking its 46th year supporting community revitalization efforts across North Carolina as well as its 25th year providing educational opportunities through the N.C. Main Street Conference. The program uses strategies developed by Main Street America to help local leaders foster vibrant downtown districts throughout the state.
More information about the N.C. Main Street Awards and previous winners can be found at the N.C. Main Street Conference website.
