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Franklin Street Revitalization Underway

Franklin Street Revitalization Begins April 8

Big things are starting in Downtown Mount Airy! Construction for the Franklin Street Revitalization Project officially begins Wednesday, April 8, kicking off the first phase of improvements to both the Franklin Street parking lot and surrounding streetscape.


What’s Happening

This project will roll out in phases, beginning with parking lot improvements, followed by streetscape upgrades from Main Street to Willow Street.


Planned improvements include:

  • Parking lot reconstruction

  • New sidewalks with decorative brick detailing

  • Improved accessibility (ADA upgrades)

  • Underground power lines

  • Updated infrastructure and overall streetscape improvements


This is all part of a broader effort to make downtown more accessible and more enjoyable for residents, businesses, and visitors.


What to Expect

During the initial phase, the Franklin Street parking lot will be temporarily closed while improvements are underway.


Downtown businesses will remain open and accessible throughout construction.

While parking may shift during this time, there are still plenty of options nearby, including public parking lots and on-street spaces throughout downtown.


👉 View the Downtown Parking Map: https://bit.ly/MADowntownParking


Downtown currently has approximately:

  • ~2,000 total parking spaces

  • 600+ public lot spaces

  • 200+ on-street spaces

It may just mean a short walk — but we promise, it’s worth it! 😉


What’s Changing

As part of this project:

  • Franklin Street will become a one-way street

  • The traffic signal at Main & Franklin will be removed


These changes are designed to improve traffic flow, reduce congestion, and create a safer, more pedestrian-friendly environment.


How It’s Funded

This project is funded through a combination of grant programs:

  • Rural Transformation Grant: $475,000

  • Rural Transformation Grant: $487,500

  • USDA (Tillis): $522,000


By leveraging grant funding, the City is able to invest in meaningful downtown improvements while making the most of local resources.


Stay in the Loop

We know construction can bring questions — and we’ve got answers.


We’ll continue sharing updates throughout the project, so be sure to follow along on social for the latest.


The Big Picture

Downtowns evolve step by step — and this is one of those foundational projects that helps set the stage for what’s next.


We’re excited to see it come to life and appreciate your patience as we get there!

 
 
 

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190 Virginia Street

Mount Airy, NC 27030

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© 2024 by Mount Airy Downtown, Inc.

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Main Street America has been helping revitalize older and historic  commercial districts for more than 35 years. Today it is a network of more than 1,600 neighborhoods and communities, rural and urban, who share both a commitment to place and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development. Main Street America is a program of the nonprofit National Main Street Center, a subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

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Mount Airy is a North Carolina Main Street community, designated by the N.C. Department of Commerce Main Street & Rural Planning Center.  Mount Airy Downtown, Inc. is charged with administering the program at the local level and building public-private partnerships to spur economic development that achieves measurable results such as investment, business growth, and job creation. 

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