Pursuing Revitalization

By: Hannah Bumgarner

Dec. 18, 2017

While the town of Christiansburg, Va. is rich in history and home to over 22,000 citizens, the downtown district lacks appealing characteristics according to many citizens. Melissa Demmitt, Public Relations Director, says the revitalization is always at the forefront of the town’s priorities.

“The buildings are really old and there’s not a lot of stuff to do. Most of downtown Christiansburg is just old and worn out,” said lifelong citizen and current student at New River Community College, Carrie Buchanan.

Demmitt understands that downtown Christiansburg needs to continue its makeover to introduce a new sense of attraction, especially for younger residents like Buchanan.

Christiansburg, Va., Dec. 14, 2017; A glowing town: Last weekend, residents filled the streets for the annual Christmas at the Market, tree lighting and Christmas Parade.

As an old town established in 1833, Christiansburg, Va. is focusing on growing its downtown district in order to encourage community involvement and overall town growth.

Christiansburg’s goal is to add a third member to the Public Relations department next year to assist in special events programming as well as the weekly farmers market during the peak of their season in warmer weather months, according to Demmitt.

“I think through a lot of things that the town is doing on our end, we are always working toward that goal,” said Demmitt.

According to a publication released by the town government in January, connecting the Christiansburg downtown district to the already existing Huckleberry Trail is another plan in the works.

In addition, the town of Christiansburg works closely with Downtown Christiansburg Inc. to organize a variety of events to promote community involvement. During recent years, one of the most popular town events is the Food Truck Rodeo, which is hosted by Downtown Christiansburg Inc. According to a recent vote taken by the Roanoke Times, this event was ranked the second best community event in the New River Valley.

In order to evoke change and advance community involvement, Dr. Becky and Scott Mann both believe it begins with the business owners. Dr. Becky and Scott Mann are co-owners of Invision Eye Care in downtown and are a proud sponsors of the Downtown Christiansburg Inc.

“I think we are leaders in breathing air into the downtown area because we have been here since 1992 and we have renovated and been aggressive about making it cool,” said, Dr. Becky Mann.

Through businesses such as Invision who are promoting the restoration of the downtown’s historic charm and the partnerships between Downtown Christiansburg Inc. and the Town of Christiansburg, the town continues to evolve.