Economic Development: Lovingston Revitalization Project Information Central

Lovingston Revitalization Project Information Central

The links below include the reports and documents pertaining to the Lovingston Revitalization Project. If you have questions or ideas - please contact Maureen Corum, Director of Economic Development and Tourism. 434-263-7015 or mcorum@nelsoncounty.org

2006 Lovingston Update
In 2004 and 2005, Nelson County obtained Phase 1 and Phase 2 Project Planning Grants for business district revitalization in the village of Lovingston. While not successful in receiving 2006 construction grant funds, we continue to refine and implement the economic restructuring process since the planning grant closeout.

Below are a few highlights of the work that has been completed in 2006:

Organization
•    The management team continues to meet and discuss strategies to improve the business climate. Several are joining the Rural Broadband Planning Initiative management team.
•    The promotions and projects listed below have been public-private partnerships between the Department of Economic Development and Tourism and the management team.
•    Nelson County joined the Virginia Downtown Development Association and maintains a close relationship with the staff at Virginia Main Street as an affiliate community.
•    The County purchased a property at the corner of Main and Front Streets; one proposal relocates the Visitors Center and Office of Economic Development. The Board of Supervisors has budgeted (FY07) $336,000 for the renovation of that facility.
•    Elements of the master plan are being incorporated into the County’s capital improvements plan for FY08.

Promotion
•    Management team member Kim Bryant spearheaded the first event Fourth of July Parade in Lovingston. The event drew more than 40 entries (the annual Christmas Parade draws 55). From a children’s bike parade to band and antique cars, square dancers and pageant beauties – it was a crowd pleaser - one of the highlights was the dancing peach!
•    The December 2nd Holiday Decorating contest helped decorate the village for the annual Christmas Parade.
•    As part of the County’s 2007 Bicentennial celebration, the Nelson County Historical Society’s Home Tour will feature Lovingston homes and the courthouse.
•    The firm of Arnett-Muldrow was hired to design a marketing and branding strategy for the County. The branding concept will include an overall brand for the County and sub-brands for each of the villages. Prior to the on site visit, 600 feedback surveys were distributed county wide, with over 100 returned. On December 20-22, 2006, the firm principals met with over 75 individuals in focus groups, public meetings and business cluster meetings. The firm will return to Nelson County in January to continue the process.
Design
•    In 2005, Lovingston was named to the state and national register of historic places.
•    The Board of Supervisors allocated funds to place historic district signs at the Route 29-Main Street gateway.

Economic Restructuring
Since the planning grant process, the interest in the real estate and economic climate of Lovingston have increased.
•    The Lovingston Opry opened in November 2006.
•    Lovingston Winery released its first vintage in December 2006.
•    A German company considering relocating its operations in the Colleen business park noted that one of the factors in its decision making is not only the vitality of the village of Lovingston, but that a plan for revitalization is in place and is being implemented.
•    A Virginia developer is working with the Economic Development Authority on the sale of the Callohill business park in Lovingston. A strong proponent of downtowns, this firm has agreed to develop the property using the Lovingston master plan as a guide.
•    A new business – not yet announced – is locating to Lovingston in 2007. The owners also cited the plans in place and the ongoing commitment to revitalization as a prime reason for their site selection.

Overview of the Planning Grant Program

Final Lovingston Master Plan
January 31, 2006 Public Meeting and Public Hearing
October 27, 2005 Public Meeting (PDF)
July 31, 2005 Public Meeting (PDF)
Lovingston Base Map for Analysis (PDF)
Lovingston Master Plan
Lovingston Downtown Enlargement 1 (PDF)
Lovingston Downtown Enlargement 2 (PDF)
Lovingston Building Pattern (PDF)
Lovingston Topography Map (PDF)
Lovingston Vegetation Plan
Lovingston Hydrology Plan

Lovingston National Register Nomination
Lovingston Historic Buildings (PDF)
Information About the Lovingston Historic District Project
Frequently Asked Questions About Rehabilitation Tax Credits

Nelson County Market Analysis - Lovingston and Nellysford
Information about the Lovingston Market Analysis

Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission Transportation Safety Study (June 2005)
Information about the Lovingston Safety Study (November 2004 and May 2005)

June 2005 Report to the Board of Supervisors

May 31, 2005 Public Meeting - Power Point Presentation
May 31, 2005 Public Meeting Announcement

April 2005 Report to the Board of Supervisors

Target Business Report - Power Point Presentation

For information about the Courthouse project, contact Steve Carter, County Administrator, 434-263-7000 or scarter@nelsoncounty.org