Together, we will!
As an official locality of the State of Virginia, the Town is here to serve our residents, businesses, and visitors. We are not associated with any political party. We want all persons to share in a welcoming spirit to enjoy all that Boones Mill's heritage and future has to offer.
Downtown Revitalization Plan
Making Boones Mill a great place to live, work, and play!
Downtown Revitalization Project Community Improvement Grant Application submitted June 12, 2024
This project includes façade Improvements for properties at 20, 40, 60, 80, 90, and 100 Main Street and 125 Easy Street. Pedestrian improvements will be made along Main Street in Downtown to supplement the façade investments. The total project cost and the amount of CDBG funding requested is $860,438.
These improvements are the first steps toward reinventing Boones Mill’s business district. Eliminating blight, investing in local entrepreneurs and business development, highlighting the Town’s natural assets, and improving connectivity, Boones Mill will begin to redevelop into an economic and cultural focal point for Franklin County and the surrounding region. Local business and property owners, many of whom have already signed façade improvement applications, are excited about this project and anxious to move forward.
The project will focus on the development of blighted and vacant storefronts and support for current businesses is required for economic growth.
The new investment will increase property and real estate tax revenues for the Town and County. It will also provide much-needed business investment in Downtown Boones Mill. It will create a new public space along Main Street that is welcoming, provides opportunities for community interactions, and encourages more investment downtown.
This project's long-term benefits and outcomes for Boones Mill are numerous. The new investment will increase property and real estate tax revenues for the Town and County, provide much-needed business investment in Downtown Boones Mill, increase residents’ pride in their Town, and become a regional destination for tourism. The improved aesthetics of the downtown will encourage new investment and entice folks to stop and visit as they travel along U.S. Highway 220. It is important to note that Boones Mill maintains its small-town charm but recognizes its proximity to larger urban markets including Roanoke and Rocky Mount.
Future master plan initiatives will build upon the initial projects to improve and enhance the economic and cultural vitality of Boones Mill. Future initiatives include a creek walk, coordinated parking for Main Street businesses, connecting to a commuter transit network, and redevelopment of additional properties via façade improvements. These items may be funded privately or with various public funding sources. A key element of successfully implementing these future initiatives will be leveraging all available funding sources and partnering with the community and other nongovernmental organizations to ensure partner matching and further community participation.
Downtown Revitalization Project Community Improvement Grant Application Submitted May 30, 2023
On May 30, 2023, The Town applied for a Community Improvement Grant (CIG) through the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development in the amount of $873, 892 to implement the Downtown Revitalization Plan adopted by Town Council on January 24, 2023. Award announcements are expected to be made by the Governor in late summer/early fall of 2023. A copy of the submitted application is available for review by clicking the link below:
Downtown Revitalization Plan Adopted by Town Council January 24, 2023
The Town applied for and was awarded $50,000 from the
Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), to create a Downtown Revitalization Plan to eliminate blight and encourage new investment in Downtown Boones Mill.
This plan incorporates and reflects the public input which was gathered on multiple occasions during the planning process. The plan provides a positive direction for the Town and will serve as part of an application for additional funding to implement the plan. Town Council adopted the plan on January 24, 2023, at 3 pm. The adopted plan is available for download below:
The Town will now work on and submit an application for a CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) Community Improvement Grant. CDBG Community Improvement Grants are competitive grants, which aid eligible localities in implementing projects that will most directly impact the greatest needs of the community. If awarded, this funding will be used to address the needs identified in the Downtown Revitalization Plan.
Opportunities and Challenges
Addressing Connectivity and Pedestrian Safety
Downtown lacks connectivity and cohesion. Through this planning grant, the Town attempted to address the lack of pedestrian connectivity and safety measures within its core. Currently, there is no curb, gutter, defined public parking space, or sidewalk within the community. While there are small vehicular bridges that connect pockets of businesses across the creek there are no pedestrian crossings or bridges to allow citizens and visitors to safely explore the community. The Town would like to create the opportunity for pedestrian bridges to safely cross Maggodee Creek. The Town also is interested in constructing a walking trail along Maggodee Creek and along Easy Street to allow for additional connection points.
Streetscape and Façade Upgrades
The downtown core of Boones Mill sits on U.S. Highway 220, a highly visible area, and this plan provides façade improvement plans, improved streetscapes, and parking needs. There are roughly ten buildings within the downtown and most are in desperate need of façade upgrades to increase their visual appeal and encourage new investment in the town. Additionally, due to the "pocket" nature of the Town’s development pattern, there are no clearly defined locations for new structures to be built which make potential new investment difficult. is plan includes opportunities for new sitting benches, lamp posts, and utility relocation as part of the streetscape improvement plan. Moreover, the Town will couple the streetscape improvements with their current wayfinding plan to create a more comprehensive signage plan.
Investment and Support
New investment is in great need within the district. Over the years, existing structures have been subject to various alterations, and they are growing older every day. Investment in existing businesses and new development is important to help drive interest in the spaces and create a greater opportunity for growth! Future improvements and investments will be driven by this plan and are key to the Town's future!
2021 Planning Grant Introduction Meeting
On March 25, 2021, the Town hosted a virtual meeting to introduce the "Planning Grant" to the community and discuss details about the grant the Town is applying for. Click the button below to download the PowerPoint presentation.
2021 Management Team and Public Input Meetings
Project Management Team #1
June 21, 2021, at Holly Jo's Creekside Grill
Project Management Team #2
July 28, 2021, at Boones Mill Town Hall
2022 Design Workshop and Public Input Meetings
Hill Studio and Arnett Muldrow held a two-day design workshop on June 27th and 28th, 2022 at Town Hall. During these two days town residents, local business owners, property owners, and county representatives came to provide input on what they would and would not want to see as part of the plan. The design team received a lot of positive input which is reflected in the plan. Following this two day workshop a presentation was made to Town Council about how the input received was helping shape the plan. A copy of that presentation is available below.
Project Consultants
