New Sidewalks Worth Construction Dust, Say Visitors (July 2008)

Q:  What has been the response to the public improvement projects in downtown and how are people adjusting to the construction process?

A:  Change, even positive change, often brings some level of stress and challenge, and the new downtown projects are no exception.  We wish to thank the businesses, customers, contractors and city departments for their cooperation and support.  With the start of the construction of the Farmers’ Market pavilion in the Municipal Parking Lot, most people have been understanding of the tighter space and limited parking.  Although the first phase of the Next Step Downtown streetscape construction between Bruce and Water Streets has created some expected challenges for businesses and customers, the contractor is committed to keeping streets and store entrances open and accessible as much as possible.  Already the public has been very complimentary regarding the new look of the brick sidewalks and limestone landscape bed borders.  Check out the progress yourself by paying a visit to the construction site or to our website (www.downtownharrisonburg.org/nextstep) for updated information and additional photos.

Valley 4th Volunteers Needed

Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance is looking for volunteers to help make our Valley 4th celebration a success. Volunteers are needed to help assist with clean up, tear down, work at the information booth, help with the beer garden (Dave’s Downtown Taverna donates a portion of the proceeds to HDR), assist with the parade, and more. If you or anyone you know has a few hours to donate to help make this July 4th the best yet, please contact Kris Ludwig in our office at krisl@harrisonburgva.gov or 540.432.8922.

More Than Just A Pretty Facade

This Letter to the Editor appeared in the Daily News-Record today:

H’Burg Renovations Should Continue Posted 2008-06-09

By Kerry Abbott

What a welcome gift to Harrisonburg residents to have several downtown buildings renovated with stunningly beautiful facades. I hope all building owners and businesses will follow that example and assure that every bit of our shared public and commercial space is so aesthetically pleasing, inviting, and functional. And I encourage all residents to frequent the businesses that have made this effort.

Jackhammers, Sidewalks and Paint–Oh My! (June 2008)

Dear Eddie: Can you explain why there are so many construction projects downtown this Spring?

EB: The many projects are a healthy sign that investors, property owners, businesses, and the city see opportunity in our downtown to support revitalization efforts. The list of construction projects includes: phase one of the streetscape improvements, the Farmers’ Market pavilion, facade improvements such as the You Made It! and Blue Ridge Florist buildings, the renovation of the Sancar building and the Liskey buildings, the new Rockingham County administrative building, and the new Urban Exchange building. Collectively these projects exceed $30 million. Stay tuned for additional projects to be announced over the next several months.