The town of Gordonsville is making progress on its long-planned streetscape makeover project. A new federal grant will put the final funding in place for the multi-million dollar downtown spruce-up.
The town expects to get $593,000 from the federal Transportation Equity Act to improve the view along Main Street. Mayor Bob Coiner hopes the streetscape enhancements will attract more visitors and shoppers downtown.
"It's all so run down right now - not the buildings - the buildings are beautiful - the sidewalks, the infrastructure," explained Coiner.
For four years, the town has waited for the funds that will give Gordonsville the makeover so businesses like Laurie Holladay Interiors get more foot traffic. Laurie Holladay and her husband are long-time business owners in Gordonsville.
"We think the town is very, very charming right this very minute," said Holladay. But added, "There's always room for improvement."
The train depot and historic Exchange Hotel will be spruced up. The project will bridge the town together with new trees, pedestrian lighting, and wider brick sidewalks.
Coiner said, "People like to spend the day in Gordonsville and when you have shaded sidewalks…that's all part of the experience that you gotta sell to tourists."
And happy customers make for happy business owners. "I think its just going to further define the town," said Holladay.
The total price tag on the project is around $3 million. Final design plans for the streetscape project should be done by the fall with construction starting after that.
