Old North News

Ten communities in North Carolina have been recognized for their efforts in downtown revitalization at the annual North Carolina Main Street Awards Ceremony. The event took place 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, presented awards in categories such as 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. He highlighted the program's dedication to driving local economic growth and development through these awards.

Kenny Flowers noted that “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 expressed pride in honoring community leaders from various sectors including local government officials, developers, nonprofits, and small business owners.

The North Carolina Main Street and Rural Planning Center plays a crucial role across regions by inspiring placemaking through asset-based economic development strategies aimed at achieving measurable results in investment, business growth, and job creation.

Liz Parham emphasized that "the awards represent the best downtown revitalization projects in the state each year.” She pointed out that they recognize both large- and small-scale projects involving rehabilitation of key properties as well as public-private partnerships enhancing public spaces.

A panel selected this year's award winners from twenty-nine nominations submitted by designated Main Street communities across the state.

The 2024 Awards of Merit were given to several projects:

In Economic Vitality:

- Best Adaptive Reuse Project: Piedmont Lofts (Monroe) and Bell Block Building (Salisbury)

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

In Organization:

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

In Design:

- Best Public Building Improvement: Cabarrus County Courthouse (Concord)

- Best Outdoor Space Improvement: Liberty Park (Mooresville) and Waxhaw's Downtown Park

The N.C. Main Street program is celebrating its 45th anniversary this year with a focus on improving downtown districts statewide using the proven Main Street Approach developed by Main Street America.

For more information about the N.C. Main Street Awards or to view past winners, visit the N.C. Main Street Conference website.