The Main Street Program has placed printed surveys and a brochure in selected retail establishments in the town and surrounding area. In an effort to measure community interest, a quick and easy survey is being circulated.
The survey measures citizens' interest in revitalizing the downtown historic district, touching on several community and business topics. The community section questions include topics on art galleries, farmers' markets, community concerts and street events. Other topics include historic preservation, a river-front park and other street landscaping. The business section quizzes people about bookstores, restaurants and the need for other types of specialty shops. Other sections measure interest in perceived benefits to the town, including beautification and enhanced economic development. Additionally there is a section to gauge interest in voluteering for the Main Street Program.
Residents of both the town and the County are asked to complete the survey. A return-mail postcard may be found in local business establishments and dropped in convenient boxes, or completed online.
A brochure that outlines the goals of the Program has also been developed and is available with the survey. Current projects include providing strategic consulting for the Beale Sanctuary arts center, and the restoration of the Daw Theater, both located in the historic district.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Highlights of the December 2008 Meeting
BEALE / DAW
The DAW Theatre, under restoration, will not compete with the Beale Sanctuary for county money, since the DAW will be a later venture, or will be a private or separate non-profit entity. It was suggested that there be a committee formed that would coordinate activities at both venues to assure that each venue maintains a distinct use for the community. It was suggested that we should sponsor some activities that might help to maintain interest in the Beale project while awaiting funds and organization. These could be a farmer’s market, 3rd Friday’s Art Opening, outdoor concert, etc.
DAW Theatre
The DAW Committee suggested that a good strategy would be to investigate the process of staffing the theater and creating a 501c3.
Citizen Survey
The survey is complete and will be printed and distributed soon.
Brochure
Additionally there is a new brochure that explains the Main Street Program that will soon be printed.
Signage
It was suggested that we advise the Town Council to erect a larger sign directing people to the historic district.
The DAW Theatre, under restoration, will not compete with the Beale Sanctuary for county money, since the DAW will be a later venture, or will be a private or separate non-profit entity. It was suggested that there be a committee formed that would coordinate activities at both venues to assure that each venue maintains a distinct use for the community. It was suggested that we should sponsor some activities that might help to maintain interest in the Beale project while awaiting funds and organization. These could be a farmer’s market, 3rd Friday’s Art Opening, outdoor concert, etc.
DAW Theatre
The DAW Committee suggested that a good strategy would be to investigate the process of staffing the theater and creating a 501c3.
Citizen Survey
The survey is complete and will be printed and distributed soon.
Brochure
Additionally there is a new brochure that explains the Main Street Program that will soon be printed.
Signage
It was suggested that we advise the Town Council to erect a larger sign directing people to the historic district.
Beale Sanctuary Overview
The Beale Sanctuary is the former home of the Beale Memorial Baptist Church. Essex County purchased the Beale Sanctuary and contiguous offices, which have been remodeled and are in use. However the Sanctuary, which has been identified as a potential community center, lays dormant. The building is in good condition with some necessary repairs anticipated to the structure especially with regard to water leakages in the basement and other facilities improvements. As of now there is no significant facility providing community performing arts, visual arts, and music services to the county citizens. It is the hope of the Main Street Program that the Beale Sanctuary Arts Center organization will stimulate interest in the arts, and provide a robust resource for cultural activities. The County has stated that there is sufficient budget to handle physical plant remediation, and that there may be budget for a single Parks and Recreation employee to staff the planned Center.
The Beale Sanctuary has a very nice stage, with plenty of offices and backstage facilities, a large basement, and an auditorium space that will seat approximately 200. The building was built as a colonial era courthouse, and its projected use should take into account the respect for the site that is appropriate to its illustrious history. Learn more here: http://www.essexmuseum.org/history-courthouse.htm
The Beale Sanctuary has a very nice stage, with plenty of offices and backstage facilities, a large basement, and an auditorium space that will seat approximately 200. The building was built as a colonial era courthouse, and its projected use should take into account the respect for the site that is appropriate to its illustrious history. Learn more here: http://www.essexmuseum.org/history-courthouse.htm
Welcome to 2009
There are several new developments at the TMSP organization. Forrest French is now acting chair. And we have a graduate student from VCU working on an economic development research project on behalf of the Main Street program.
Archive 2008, 2007, 2006
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
New Year, New Developments
First...We have a new Chair, Peter Trible - local counsel and Tappahannock Main Street district resident. Our previous Chair, Worth Haile, has moved to the mid-west following her husband and his new job. Our previous Co-Chair, George Jennings, III, is hard at work restoring Emerson's Ordinary (pictured on the right) and will be participating in the Design Committee. We won't replace the Co-Chair position right now.
On February 2, we had a tour of the old DAW Theater, located on the lower south block of our district.
The theater's owner, Mr. Gene Cook, has replaced the roof and is in the process of renovating the front exterior and marquee.
The Tappahannock Main Street Program has enthusiastically expressed interest in assisting in the renovation of the theater.
And the interior...
Posted by citizen15425 at 9:23 PM 0 comments
Design Walkaround Survey
After our tour of the DAW, we went for a walk through the district we've chosen as our first effort (Prince Street, from the river to Church Lane). The idea behind the walkaround is to assess the area as it exists and as viewed by the Tappahannock Main Street Volunteers or any interested citizens. This helps our committees to get a good picture of our district and begin a work plan for recommendations and activity by the Main Street Program.
After we compile all of the information, we'll use it to begin to recommend and assist with improvements. We'll work with local business owners, local government and district residents to decide the best course of action to revitalize Prince Street.
Anyone interested can participate and do a survey of the district. To get your survey form and instructions, please use the email contact on the right-hand side bar (click on TAPPAHANNOCK MAIN STREET under EMAIL). Forms are due by February 16th, 5pm. The location for drop off is included in the instructions.
Posted by citizen15425 at 9:35 AM 0 comments
Saturday, April 14, 2007
We have A Co-Chair!
Mr. George Jennings, III, was unanimously voted in as our Co-Chair to serve for a year with our Chair, Worth Haile.
Some background on Mr. Jennings:
- He is a descendant of the Bookers, who settled in Essex County near Miller's Tavern in 1737. His 4x great grandaddy probably spent more time than he should have in Emerson's Ordinary (the historic building on Water Lane that George has been painstakingly renovating for the past few years) when he was a "Sons of Liberty."
- He has a masters degree in architecture with a minor in urban and regional planning.
- While practicing in Williamsburg, Virginia, Mr. Jennings was Chairman of the Architectural Review Board and was on the Housing Appeals Board, the Board of Zoning appeals, and the Planning Commission.
- In the early '90s, Mr. Jennings found a deadrise work boat, built 400 crab pots, moved into the marshes of Poquoson, Virginia, and was a commercial fisherman for two years while practicing architecture on the side.
Mr. Jennings currently has an office on Prince Street.
Posted by citizen15425 at 12:42 PM 0 comments
Friday, March 2, 2007
We Have A New Chair!
Worth Haile, owner of the Studio 9 Gallery, has agreed to chair our program for 2007.
Message to our committees:
Please become familiar with www.mainstreet.org. More specifically, please read the section entitled: "Is The Main Street Approach Right For You?" AND "Getting Started" both of which you will find under the section entitled: "The Main Street Approach."
The co-chair position is still open. George Jennings has volunteered to fill this position. If anyone has additional nominations to present, please be prepared to do so on March 6th. Keep in mind that the group has clearly stated that past attendance and a visible committment to the project is critical for this position. The co-chair position will be held for one year.
NEXT MEETING
Tuesday, March 6th, 7:15-8:30pm, at the Department of Forestry, 623 Lewis Street, Tappahannock
As always, meetings are open to the public and your participation in the Tappahannock Main Street Program is enthusiastically encouraged!
Please consider becoming a volunteer if you would like to help improve our historic town center. Use the "EMAIL" contact on the right to send us a note.
Posted by citizen15425 at 6:14 AM 1 comments
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Calling All Citizens!
We're working on our search for a new Chair for the program. We're also gathering everyone to regroup with your committee prior to next month's meeting. We need to rebuild the momentum that we had a few months ago. Your committee chair will be in touch soon to arrange a meeting. If you're not yet on a committee, please choose one from the four listed below and use the 'EMAIL' link on this page to state your choice:
Economic Restructuring - Strengthening downtown's existing economic assets and fulfilling its broadest market potential.
Organization - Establishing consensus and cooperation by building effective partnerships among all downtown stakeholders.
Design - Enhancing the unique visual quality of downtown by addressing all design elements to create an appealing environment.
Promotion - Creating and marketing a positive image based on the unique attributes of the downtown district.
The next meeting will be held on February 13th, 7:15-9pm, at the Department of Forestry, 623 Lewis Street, Tappahannock (come on in, it's way in the back and Dave will have the coffee going).
CURRENT ACTIVITY
The Design Committee will be collecting data and creating an inventory of existing Town assets in our program area (existing buildings; businesses; parking quantities; public park spaces; and elements of historical significance).
Posted by citizen15425 at 9:33 AM 0 comments
New Year, New Developments
First...We have a new Chair, Peter Trible - local counsel and Tappahannock Main Street district resident. Our previous Chair, Worth Haile, has moved to the mid-west following her husband and his new job. Our previous Co-Chair, George Jennings, III, is hard at work restoring Emerson's Ordinary (pictured on the right) and will be participating in the Design Committee. We won't replace the Co-Chair position right now.
On February 2, we had a tour of the old DAW Theater, located on the lower south block of our district.
The theater's owner, Mr. Gene Cook, has replaced the roof and is in the process of renovating the front exterior and marquee.
The Tappahannock Main Street Program has enthusiastically expressed interest in assisting in the renovation of the theater.
The renovated marquee...
And the interior...
Posted by citizen15425 at 9:23 PM 0 comments
Design Walkaround Survey
After our tour of the DAW, we went for a walk through the district we've chosen as our first effort (Prince Street, from the river to Church Lane). The idea behind the walkaround is to assess the area as it exists and as viewed by the Tappahannock Main Street Volunteers or any interested citizens. This helps our committees to get a good picture of our district and begin a work plan for recommendations and activity by the Main Street Program.
After we compile all of the information, we'll use it to begin to recommend and assist with improvements. We'll work with local business owners, local government and district residents to decide the best course of action to revitalize Prince Street.
Anyone interested can participate and do a survey of the district. To get your survey form and instructions, please use the email contact on the right-hand side bar (click on TAPPAHANNOCK MAIN STREET under EMAIL). Forms are due by February 16th, 5pm. The location for drop off is included in the instructions.
Posted by citizen15425 at 9:35 AM 0 comments
Saturday, April 14, 2007
We have A Co-Chair!
Mr. George Jennings, III, was unanimously voted in as our Co-Chair to serve for a year with our Chair, Worth Haile.
Some background on Mr. Jennings:
- He is a descendant of the Bookers, who settled in Essex County near Miller's Tavern in 1737. His 4x great grandaddy probably spent more time than he should have in Emerson's Ordinary (the historic building on Water Lane that George has been painstakingly renovating for the past few years) when he was a "Sons of Liberty."
- He has a masters degree in architecture with a minor in urban and regional planning.
- While practicing in Williamsburg, Virginia, Mr. Jennings was Chairman of the Architectural Review Board and was on the Housing Appeals Board, the Board of Zoning appeals, and the Planning Commission.
- In the early '90s, Mr. Jennings found a deadrise work boat, built 400 crab pots, moved into the marshes of Poquoson, Virginia, and was a commercial fisherman for two years while practicing architecture on the side.
Mr. Jennings currently has an office on Prince Street.
Posted by citizen15425 at 12:42 PM 0 comments
Friday, March 2, 2007
We Have A New Chair!
Worth Haile, owner of the Studio 9 Gallery, has agreed to chair our program for 2007.
Message to our committees:
Please become familiar with www.mainstreet.org. More specifically, please read the section entitled: "Is The Main Street Approach Right For You?" AND "Getting Started" both of which you will find under the section entitled: "The Main Street Approach."
The co-chair position is still open. George Jennings has volunteered to fill this position. If anyone has additional nominations to present, please be prepared to do so on March 6th. Keep in mind that the group has clearly stated that past attendance and a visible committment to the project is critical for this position. The co-chair position will be held for one year.
NEXT MEETING
Tuesday, March 6th, 7:15-8:30pm, at the Department of Forestry, 623 Lewis Street, Tappahannock
As always, meetings are open to the public and your participation in the Tappahannock Main Street Program is enthusiastically encouraged!
Please consider becoming a volunteer if you would like to help improve our historic town center. Use the "EMAIL" contact on the right to send us a note.
Posted by citizen15425 at 6:14 AM 1 comments
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Calling All Citizens!
We're working on our search for a new Chair for the program. We're also gathering everyone to regroup with your committee prior to next month's meeting. We need to rebuild the momentum that we had a few months ago. Your committee chair will be in touch soon to arrange a meeting. If you're not yet on a committee, please choose one from the four listed below and use the 'EMAIL' link on this page to state your choice:
Economic Restructuring - Strengthening downtown's existing economic assets and fulfilling its broadest market potential.
Organization - Establishing consensus and cooperation by building effective partnerships among all downtown stakeholders.
Design - Enhancing the unique visual quality of downtown by addressing all design elements to create an appealing environment.
Promotion - Creating and marketing a positive image based on the unique attributes of the downtown district.
The next meeting will be held on February 13th, 7:15-9pm, at the Department of Forestry, 623 Lewis Street, Tappahannock (come on in, it's way in the back and Dave will have the coffee going).
CURRENT ACTIVITY
The Design Committee will be collecting data and creating an inventory of existing Town assets in our program area (existing buildings; businesses; parking quantities; public park spaces; and elements of historical significance).
Posted by citizen15425 at 9:33 AM 0 comments
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