Seven Downtown Projects to Be Excited About in 2009

2009 is going to be a hallmark year for downtown Harrisonburg. In no particular order, here is are some reasons why you will be excited to “Experience Downtown” this year:

1. The Urban Exchange. Scheduled for completion in August, this mixed-use development on East Market Street will boast two levels of underground parking, 12,000 square feet of retail space and four levels of condominiums (both for sale and for lease).
2. SHHH! A top-secret new construction project will bring big improvements somewhere in the Central Business District. We’re keeping our fingers crossed that an announcement can be made within the next month or so.
3. More Renovations of Historic Buildings. New construction is exciting, but our history is truly the heart and soul of downtown Harrisonburg. Three ongoing renovation projects are scheduled to be completed this year:
   1. The Liskey Building. It’s hard to miss the major construction going on in this building on South Main Street, across from Dave’s Downtown Taverna. When finished, the building will have about five apartment units and two restaurants: Jack Browns Burger & Beer Joint facing Main Street, and Pennybackers, a family-friendly sandwich shop facing Water Street.
   2. The Wetsel Building. Look for Union Station to open in summer 2009, serving vintage food and local recipes in an historic atmosphere inspired by the 74-year-old building.
   3. The Old Spanky’s Building. We’ll need to find a new way of describing this building when it undergoes its makeover into an Asian fusion restaurant, spearheaded by the geniuses at Taste of Thai.
4. Keeping the International Headquarters of Rosetta Stone Downtown. This “stone” is a jewel in the center of our downtown. We’re hopeful that negotiations between the City of Harrisonburg and the language software company will allow the company to keep their headquarters downtown. In the current economic climate, the prospect of being able to create an additional 100 jobs for local residents is extremely encouraging.
5. A Downtown Grocery Store. We are optimistic that the Friendly City Food Coop will gain enough members in 2009 to be able to sign a lease. Many of HDR’s staff and members have already purchased shares to bring this cooperative grocery store downtown. Have you?
6. Return of the Tour of Virginia. Here’s hoping that 2009 is the year that Tour of Virginia comes back to town. Assuming that a title sponsor can be secured, this year’s semi-professional bicycle race will take place exclusively in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County. Here are the proposed highlights:
   1. April 24: A time trial at James Madison University.
   2. April 25: The traditional criterion race circling downtown, with other possible events such as live music or a 5K race.
   3. April 26: Races from the Downtown Harrisonburg Farmers’ Market to Reddish Knob, with entries for professional riders and for the community (how cool would THAT be?)
7. You. Today, we are seeing more foot traffic than ever, with more people like you discovering downtown Harrisonburg as THE destination to eat, work, live and play. We know that everyone will be more selective about where they spend their money in 2009, and we appreciate it even more when you choose to support the variety of local businesses downtown has to offer. Thank you.

Discover the Potential of Downtown Harrisonburg

Come discover the potential of downtown Harrisonburg tonight (Thursday, September 25). Eugene Stoltzfus Architects presents “The Vision for Downtown,” a visionary look toward our future. The project, commissioned by Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance, uses animated 3-D models to depict what downtown Harrisonburg of the future may look like with smart urban planning and development. View a preview of the event here.

Date: Sept. 25
Time: 6:30pm
Location: City Council Chambers and televised on CitySpan
Who: All members of the public are welcome
More information: 540.432.8922 or hdr@harrisonburva.gov

New Restaurants for the New Year (January 2008)

Dear Eddie: I hear we’re getting several new restaurants downtown. How soon can we expect them to open?

EB: We are delighted to have three confirmed restaurants opening in 2008. Most likely the first to open will be Clementine in early February, located on South Main Street in the former Main Street Bar & Grill. The restaurant will offer everything from salads and sandwiches to gourmet dinner entrees. The chic, cosmopolitan atmostphere will be a great venue for live entertainment, with meeting space on the lower level. Expected to open shortly after Clementine is Blue Nile Ethiopian Cuisine. Located in the renovated Walton Hotel building on North Main Street, the restaurant will have a lower level lounge with live music. Finally, renovations should begin soon for Pennybackers on East Water Street (the former location of Laughing Dog). The restaurant hopes to open in Summer 2008, complete with rooftop dining. Those who miss the old Spanky’s will enjoy Pennybacker’s menu with a broad selection of sandwiches in a family-friendly atmosphere. (Update: Clementine and Blue Nile Ethiopian Cuisine are now open for business. Delays have pushed back renovations on Pennybackers, but check back soon for the latest news.)