Waxhaw Honored with Multiple Awards at NC Main Street Conference
The North Carolina Main Street Conference, held from March 11-13, 2025, in Mooresville, N.C., celebrated outstanding achievements in downtown revitalization and community building. Ten communities and 47 Main Street Champions were honored at the Awards Ceremonies for their exceptional contributions.
Liz Parham, Director of the N.C. Main Street & Rural Planning Center, emphasized the significance of these awards: "The awards represent the best downtown revitalization projects in the state each year. They recognize large- and small-scale projects, the rehabilitation of key downtown properties, compatible infill development, public and private partnerships, and accessible, inclusive public space improvements."
2024 AWARD OF MERIT: WAXHAW
Waxhaw proudly received a 2024 Main Street Award in the Design category for Best Outdoor Space Improvement. The award recognized the new Waxhaw Downtown Park, described as a "transformative project that embodies innovation, inclusivity, and community spirit."
The Town of Waxhaw collaborated with partners Benesch, JD Goodrum Company, and Barrs Recreation to bring this project to life. Opened in May 2024, the Downtown Park offers residents and visitors a nature-inspired, multigenerational, and accessible destination.
Kenny Flowers, Assistant Secretary for Rural Economic Development, commented on the awards' significance: "This year's N.C. Main Street Awards highlight innovative projects that enhance preservation efforts, celebrate culture and heritage, and create spaces in our downtowns that gather and build community. We are proud to honor these community leaders, including local government officials, developers, nonprofits, and small business owners."
To learn more about the Waxhaw Downtown Park project and its award-winning features, we invite you to watch the video below. Simply press play or click here.
2024 MAIN STREET CHAMPIONS
In addition to the community awards, 40 Main Street Champions were recognized during the ceremonies. Each NC Main Street program has the opportunity to designate one individual, couple, organization, business partnership, or civic entity as their community's NC Main Street Champion. This non-competitive award honors those who have made extraordinary contributions to their downtown.
Jeff Wells was acknowledged as Waxhaw's 2024 North Carolina Main Street Champion for his visionary leadership and dedication to downtown development. His efforts were crucial in revising the Main Street organizational structure and establishing the successful Downtown Waxhaw Association.
N.C. Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley praised the Main Street Champions, stating, "These dynamic leaders drive progress within their communities. Their visionary approach identifies opportunities for growth and development that transform the fabric of local economies and neighborhoods."
To learn more about Jeff Wells and his contributions to Downtown Waxhaw, press play on the award video below or click here.
ABOUT THE NORTH CAROLINA MAIN STREET CONFERENCE
The North Carolina Main Street Conference, organized by the N.C. Department of Commerce, is the largest statewide downtown revitalization conference in the United States. This three-day annual conference attracts diverse attendees, including downtown economic development professionals, elected officials, local government staff, rural leaders, volunteers, business and property owners, and consultants. Participants gain fresh ideas, valuable insights, and innovative approaches to effectively enhance revitalization efforts in their respective communities.
ABOUT DOWNTOWN WAXHAW
Waxhaw's journey as a Main Street Community began in 2009 when it was designated as a Small Town Main Street Community. In 2015, Waxhaw achieved full Main Street Program designation and was nationally accredited by the National Main Street Center in 2023. To better manage the Main Street program and promote Downtown Waxhaw, the non-profit organization Downtown Waxhaw Association was incorporated in December 2022.
As a Main Street Community, the Town of Waxhaw and the Downtown Waxhaw Association, Inc. collaborate to implement preservation-based economic development strategies using the Main Street Approach™. This comprehensive method is designed to enhance the economic well-being and overall quality of life in Downtown Waxhaw, focusing on four key areas: Economic Vitality, Design, Promotion, and Organization.
For more information about Downtown Waxhaw and its revitalization efforts, please contact us at info@downtownwaxhaw.com.