Uptown Lexington celebrates 30 years, diversity is questioned
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Uptown Lexington is celebrating 30 years as one of the oldest Main Street programs in the state and is now looking toward the future with new branding and a redefined purpose. However, the hot-button topic of diversity in Uptown Lexington remains in question for communities that have expressed concerns.
Uptown Lexington was established in 1994 and is funded through a municipal service district tax. Property owners within the district contribute an additional 20 cents for every $100 of their property's value. Additionally, the City of Lexington provides the organization with an annual grant of $75,000.
During the recent meeting of the Lexington City Council, Travis Stewart, the executive director of Uptown Lexington, Inc., presented an update on the organization's future plans. Stewart outlined strategies for expanding events, attracting more businesses, offering resources to property owners, and promoting the area as the central hub of activity for residents of Davidson County.
Stewart said in the past 30 years the organization's main focus has been preservation of historic properties as well as to provide economic growth through supporting property and business owners.
Stewart noted that tenants will remain a key part of the program. The organization wants to expand its impact by recruiting a variety of businesses, developing of second-story residences, assisting property owners with improvements and promoting the district through new events.
Uptown Lexington has undergone a rebranding in the past year, and have updated their vision, mission and strategy, as well as created a new logo and website. Stewart said the organization is focusing on bringing more economic development to the area, whether it is to open a business, live, shop or attend an event.
“We want uptown Lexington to be a place where people live, gather and connect. We want it to be the center of vitality,” said Stewart.
Lexington City Councilman Garrett Holloway asked how Uptown Lexington was supporting the diversity of businesses in the district, and what resources they provide to assist minority business owners to overcome barriers to secure funding or other resources.
Stewart said there is a good mix of veteran, minority and women-owned businesses in the district, and that Uptown Lexington has a variety of grant programs for businesses, as well as working in partnership with other organizations, like the Lexington Area Chamber of Commerce, to provide support for new and existing businesses.
“Everything we do is for everyone,” said Stewart. “We want everyone to be here, people from all walks of life.”
He said one of the biggest issues is the availability of spaces. According to Stewart, there are only about two spaces that are “move-in ready”, but there are approximately 10 spaces that need improvements by the property owner before they meet the needs of prospective business owners.
Stewart said Uptown Lexington has a running list of available spaces, which they hope to post on their website. He said the organization also holds monthly informational meetings, provides assistance with grants, as well as referring property and business owners to available programs through the NC Main Street program.
Editor's Note: This is a developing story.
