The 2008 Awards will be presented at the Awards Luncheon sponsored by Bancorp South on May 16.
Click here to download the 2008 Awards Luncheon postcard.
2007 Annual Award Winners
Each year, the Mississippi Main Street Association awards the best of the best in our member communities in a number of categories. Following is the list of 2007 award winners along with the summary of their winning entry.
Best Creative Fund-Raising Project
This award is granted to the downtown organization that has displayed the most creativity and success in securing funds for its downtown program or specific project.
Upstairs Downtown - Greenwood
Award accepted by: Lise Foy, Manager, Main Street Greenwood
An exciting tour of seven spectacular upper floor-housing spaces on Howard Street in downtown Greenwood!
Many of the charming buildings and boutiques that draw the crowds to Greenwood have equally appealing second floors - not always seen by visitors, or even locals for that matter. To satisfy the growing curiosity about these mysterious upper rooms, Main Street Greenwood held “Upstairs Downtown” which showcased these living spaces created in renovated historic structures. Tickets were sold for $15-20 dollars. The 400 people that toured were treated to drinks and hors d’ oeuvres provided by local sponsors and area restaurants. Over $7,000 was raised to benefit Main Street Greenwood’s revitalization efforts!
Best Newsletter Population Over 5,000
This award recognizes excellence in communication by a downtown organization through its newsletter. To be eligible, at least three (3) newsletters must have been distributed within the past calendar year.
The Downtown Lowdown E-Newsletter - Columbus
Award Accepted by: Laura Quinn, Manager, Main Street Columbus
At the request of Main Street members, Columbus Main Street using the web-based e-mail software Constant Contact and the advice of Marianna Hayes of HALO Business Advisors, The Downtown Lowdown E-Newsletter was created. Its simple and convenient format keeps Columbus Main Street members abreast of events, news and happenings in downtown Columbus.
Main Street Columbus tried print newsletters in the past, but the general consensus demanded weekly updates. In addition, the cost and bulk of a weekly paper got too great.
In addition to their own subscribers, the Columbus-Lowndes Development Link forwards the newsletter to over 800 of their members. This partnership keeps Main Street Columbus costs at a minimum because monthly fees from Constant Contact are based on the size of your subscriber list. Email newsletters are definitely a big hit for Columbus!
Best Special Event
This award will recognize the downtown organization that has created a quality special event that generated traffic for the downtown. This activity must be a downtown organization event and includes festivals or other kinds of special events.
Hattiesburg Art Walk: A Collaborators Success Story - Hattiesburg
Award Accepted by: Joe White, President, Historic Hattiesburg Downtown Association
In 2000, as a part of its economic strategy, Hattiesburg Downtown Association created an arts and entertainment district in its historic downtown. With the number of shops and businesses increasing in art based themes, the idea for an arts event came from the occasional “Gallery Walks” sponsored by the Gallery Association.
The Hattiesburg Art Walk is held three times a year. Highlights include street performances by musicians and dancers, live music, exhibits at the Saenger and even pet walks by groups such as Southern Pines Animal Shelter. Each Art Walk draws hundreds of participants and collaborators each year, making it a success for the community and the Historic Hattiesburg Downtown Association!
Best Image Promotion
Including Best Membership Brochure and Downtown Directory. This award will recognize the downtown organization that has developed an effective public relations piece or promotional campaign.
DISCOVER DOWNTOWN..HHDA Downtown Directory - Hattiesburg
Award Accepted by: Joe White, President, Historic Hattiesburg Downtown Association
With the downtown image building Promotion Partners Campaign in its second year, HHDA commissioned Marianna Hayes and HALO Business Advisors to develop a downtown marketing plan. The plan entitled Lifestyle Arts was completed in 2006; it recommended that HHDA continue to change and improve its marketing pieces by using themes and graphics from the Promotions Partners campaign. With a larger Promotions budget, HDDA developed a new downtown directory…DISCOVER DOWNTOWN. A four-color multi-page, rack size booklet listing shops, galleries, museums, restaurants, lodging and nightspots as well as event and entertainment centers.
Best Adaptive Re-Use Project
This award is granted to the best adaptive reuse of a building that has outlived its former use.
From The Bottling Company to Downtown Destination - Hattiesburg
Award Accepted by: Ken Dickinson
When Ken Dickinson, Nick Chichester and Ryan McNabb bought the 12,500 building in 2004, they wanted to create a music venue large enough to bring in top road shows to downtown Hattiesburg. With a promise to the former owner to respect its original construction and that the building would be placed on the National Register of Historic Places, they set out to do just that.
The Bottling Co. opened for business in August 2006 after hosting the South Mississippi Art Association Juried Show and sale during Spring Art Walk and a benefit for the Make-A-Wish Foundation in early August. The kitchen serves a full menu from appetizers to steaks and a full bar.
With this project complete their dreams of making Downtown Hattiesburg a major entertainment destination will soon come true!
Best Historic Preservation Re-Use Project Under 5,000 in Population
This award is granted to the best adaptive reuse of a building that has outlived its former use.
Historic Walthall Jail Renovation - Walthall
Award Accepted by: Belinda Stewart
The Walthall Jail was constructed in 1892 for Webster County. The simple cube-shaped, two story masonry brick building was continuously used as the county jail until the current jail was constructed in 1972. In 1990 it was designated as a Mississippi Landmark for its structure and association with events that have shaped Webster County’s social and political history.
The Mayor, village Board of Alderman and Belinda Stewart Architects, P.A. set out to save this historic building with the help of a Mississippi Landmark Grant and donated services by Belinda Stewart Architects, P.A.
The restoration included: brick restoration, chimney reconstruction, removal of cement mortar replaced with lime-based mortar, brick masonry repointing, metal sheathing restoration, repair of substrate pulling away from the walls and ceilings and, of course, new air conditioning and plumbing systems.
Best Historic Preservation Re-Use Project Over 5,000 in Population
This award is granted to the best adaptive reuse of a building that has outlived its former use.
Forrest County Justice Court Center: From Masonic Temple Justice Court Center - Hattiesburg
Award Accepted by: Billy Hudson, Forrest County Board of Supervisors
One of the most significant buildings of the Hub City Historic District in Downtown Hattiesburg is the ca. 1919 Masonic Temple, designed by a local resident and popular architect, Mr. Robert E. Lee.
The Masonic Lodge wanted very much to restore the building to its original splendor, but the Lodge and prospective buyers could not afford the hefty price tag of preserving and restoring it. Until Forrest County, seeking additional space for its justice courts, bought it. While in restoration, Hurricane Katrina set the project back by more than $116,000 and delayed the project for months. Undaunted, the project continued, and was completed in the spring of 2006 at a cost of 2.56 million.
Best Historic Rehabilitation Project - Public Sector
This award goes to a public agency or department that has completed an outstanding historic rehabilitation project (maintains the use of the building). The project must be located in the downtown district and should include exterior rehabilitation work, but could be both interior and exterior work.
Yalobusha County Courthouse Restoration
Award Accepted by: Belinda Stewart
The small rural county of Yalobusha, in north Mississippi, has two court districts that are significant historic anchors for their respective communities. Due to years of deterioration and the amount of upkeep on two large buildings, the county considered abandoning them and building one, centrally located courthouse. In the end, however, the county chose to restore them both through the sale of bonds, and $740,000 in grants from the Mississippi Department of Archives and History.
During restoration, Belinda Stewart oversaw the change of the existing metal storefront entrances to wood/glass storefront openings with transom windows, new pews, historically appropriate carpeting, court millwork and new light fixtures. In addition, a sensitive handicap ramp and back porch were added. In an effort to conserve energy, the County installed ground coupled geo-thermal heating and air systems at both courthouses. The rehabilitation of this courthouse has encouraged restoration and upkeep of other historic properties in this small rural community.
Best Historic Rehabilitation Project - Private Sector
This award goes to an individual or business that has completed an outstanding historic rehabilitation project (maintains the use of the building). The project must be located in the downtown district and should include exterior rehabilitation work, but could be both interior and exterior work.
A Gallery - Hattiesburg
Award Accepted by: Gail Albert
A Gallery, a business started in 2001 by downtown development leader Gail Albert, was outgrowing its quarters in the ground floor of Albert & Associates in downtown Hattiesburg. She and her husband, Larry Albert, had previously rehabilitated two downtown historic buildings, so when the Roseberry Piano House building in downtown Hattiesburg became available, they purchased it for the future home of A Gallery.
Just to name a few of projects that were part of the rehabilitation, the house's metal ceilings were re-painted a bright silver, walls were repaired and repainted, new wood floors and carpeting were installed and an entrance was added to the rear. In the spring of 2005, A Gallery moved into its new location just in time for Hattiesburg's Spring Art Walk and Street Party…then came Hurricane Katrina. Though the building was damaged, Mrs. Albert was undaunted, so the renovations, once again, began. With a total investment standing at $355,000, the now TWICE renovated building was completed in the Spring of 2006…just in time for Spring Art Walk. Providing ambience and a high quality architectural setting at a very reasonable cost A Gallery is without a doubt one of the state's finest galleries and gift stores.
Best Façade Rehabilitation Over $10,000
This award recognizes the best single façade renovation project completed with over $10,000. The physical design of the façade should enhance the commercial district in appearance of function and encourage further design improvements.
Travis & Travis - Hattiesburg
Award Accepted by: Peggy Defatta
Travis and Travis Attorneys at Law has been a downtown firm throughout its history, with the third generation now a partner. Kearney J. Travis, Jr. and Kearney J. Travis III have had their practice at 614 Main Street since 1989. The circa 1910 building had undergone renovation when they bought it and was well maintained, but it had not been restored to its original historic appearance. The upper floor windows of the 2-story building, for example, were covered with plywood, cut to fit the openings and painted to match the building. Hurricane Katrina’s damage to the building brought the Travis’ an opportunity to not only repair the building, but also to restore the façade to its historic appearance, a project that is setting an example for more renovation on Main Street. Another attorney recently purchased the building immediately adjacent and is planning the same historic renovation as the Travis’.
Best Downtown Public Improvement Project
This award is given to the municipality or downtown program that has designed and implemented attractive and sympathetic improvements for its downtown. Improvements must be within the downtown district.
Raymond Town Square Economic Enhancement Project
Award Accepted by: Isla Tullos, Mayor, City of Raymond
A survey done in the 1820's to select a site near the center of Hinds County, led to the establishment of Raymond. MS. The first Hinds County Courthouse was built in the center of Raymond's Public Square in 1829.
In 1905 a riveted steel water tank was erected on the site of the original courthouse and to this day, has unique character and is a point of interest for Raymond.
The City of Raymond contracted with Mississippi State University of Architecture/Jackson Community Design Center in 2001 to conduct a study of the downtown commercial area. In 2004, Mr. Steve Davis of Canizarro, Cawthon and Davis, was commissioned to further define the role of the square. That analysis was key in Raymond obtaining a $100,000 MDA Small Municipalities Grant. Ed Blurton & Co. was awarded the construction contract that was completed late last year in just two months. Since then, outdoor touches have been phenomenal and are ongoing.
This Enhancement project is especially significant because it is the culmination of over seven years of planning, working with consultants, applying for grants, receiving input, and the suggestions and ideas from Raymond’s many citizens.
Best Design Professional
This award is given to the Design Professional (Architect, Interior Designer, Graphics Professional, etc.) who exemplifies Main Street, Historic Preservation and/or high quality design in their work with Mississippi's Main Street communities and programs.
Larry Albert, AIA - Hattiesburg
Award Accepted by: Larry Albert
After being awarded Hattiesburg Downtown Associations 2006 Leadership Award, Larry Albert has been affectionately called Mr. Downtown for his love and dedication to his hometown of Hattiesburg. After graduating from Mississippi State University with a degree in architecture, Mr. Albert moved to Texas. He returned to Hattiesburg in 1986 to open his own firm.
Since then he has been dedicated to revitalization and preservation. A few of his projects include buying and rehabilitating 512 Main Street for his own offices and 409 Main Street for mixed use with retail on the ground floor and two loft apartments above. Mr. Albert has even helped revitalize Hattiesburg Downtown Association, serving twice as their Board President.
Professionally, his firm has designed many notable new buildings The Hattiesburg Public Library, Lake Terrace Convention Center, First Presbyterian Church, and the Mississippi Craftsman's Guild in Ridgeland. Recently, he was selected to work on the restoration of Beauvoir on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Main Street Merchant of the Year
This award recognizes excellence in the retail field. This award goes to a merchant who has been a mover and shaker in downtown revitalization. The recipient exemplifies the best in merchandising, inventory, display, hours, etc. as well as value added services such as high quality, convenience, and service.
Dayle Dillon Diffey - Lexington
Award Accepted by: Dayle Dillon Diffey
Dayle Diffey is the co-owner of Peoples Drug Store in Lexington, Mississippi. Ms. Diffey has garnered such titles as coordinator, merchandising guru, advertiser and promoter. Lexington Main Street is proud to have her as their Promotions Committee Chairwoman. After completing pharmacy school and returning to Lexington in 1998, Ms. Diffey completely overhauled Peoples Drug Store's retail line. Vera Bradley Handbags and Luggage, Gail Pittman Pottery, Southern Belle T-shirts, and a host of baby and children gifts that can be gift wrapped or monogrammed adorn the shelves of her store.
Ms. Diffey is tireless in her promotional efforts. She participates in various holiday campaigns and outreach efforts to attract customers from beyond the local community including her participation in as a vendor at the 2006 Mistletoe Marketplace in Jackson. Her success was evident when she received an invitation to return to the 2007 Mistletoe Marketplace. Ms. Diffey is currently working on a cooperative advertising campaign for all the retail merchants in Lexington. Her fresh ideas and positive attitude are a stimulus for others in Lexington to follow.
Best New Development Project
This award goes to an individual or business that has undertaken a new development project within a downtown district. The project should not only achieve financial success and quality design, but also have a positive impact on downtown revitalization.
ARTichoke Greater Belhaven Development Foundation - Belhaven Urban Main Street in Jackson
Award Accepted by: Carmen Castilla and Brad Reeves
Brad Reeves, a local attorney, had recently purchased a 1930's cottage on Fortification Street, in Jackson, MS to renovate and was looking for tenants.
Four vendors - Carmen Brooks, Anne Campbell, Carmen Castilla and Sheri Hicks - from the Greater Belhaven Market, decided that this was the perfect location for them to collaborate and sell their goods during the Market's off-season.Mr. Reeves invested approximately $10,800 in extensive renovations, and received a $5,000 matching grant from the Greater Belhaven Urban Neighborhood Main Street Façade Grant program. Lynn Clark, a Belhaven resident, assisted with the landscaping as a volunteer and Anne Campbell received a façade grant for a new sign.
ARTichoke is an art gallery and gift boutique where emphasis is always on ART. The shop sells antiques, and a variety of handcrafted soaps, candles, pottery, glassware and jewelry. Opening its doors in October of 2006, ARTichoke has hosted open houses for shopping and mingling; one such event joined them with local merchants Kat's Wine Cellar and McDade's Market. The ARTichoke is definitely an asset to the Belhaven Community!
Best Public-Private Partnership Project
This award recognizes the creative and positive joint ventures between the local government(s) and the private sector. Criteria for judging included the success of the project, its impact on revitalization, and the nature and extent of the partnership effort.
Red Bud Springs Park Renovation and Statue Dedication - Kosciusko
Award Accepted by: Jimmy Cockroft, Mayor of Kosciusko
Once Kosciusko was designated as a Main Street Community, ideas circulated as to how Kosciusko would attract more people to downtown as well as convey history to future generations. During his presidency of Kosciusko Main Street, Dr. Stanley Hartness along with the City of Kosciusko established a destination point for downtown tourists called Redbud Springs Park.
Before renovations, several points of interest were already at the park, such as a dirt mound taken from Tadeusz Kosciuszko's (the town's namesake) burial site in Poland, a USA centennial cylinder to be opened in the year 2076 and a Daughter's of the American Revolution marker commemorating the original Natchez Trace passing through the site around 1913. After four years of planning and with the cooperation of the city of Kosciusko, Attala County, Kosciusko/Attala Chamber of Commerce, Kosciusko Main Street, and private funding, the Red Bud Springs Park now boasts a bronze statue of Tadeusz Kosciuszko, water fountains, ironwork and new plantings. It is indeed a beautiful point of interest for tourists and citizens alike.
SPECIAL SERVICE AWARD (Public Official)
This award will recognizes an elected or public official who has contributed leadership and support for downtown, and who best represents commitment to the goal of revitalization.
Janice Payne, Alderwoman - Philadelphia
Every community has people who devote themselves to making their hometown a better place. These people are an advocate not for themselves, but for the greater good. Every once in awhile, there is that one advocate that really shines, that really stands out.
Janice Payne has led the march to support downtown revitalization. She is active in Ham Jam Arts Festival, Philadelphia Main Street's annual fundraiser, and she is the perfect ambassador for the barbecue teams and judges. She also hosts the annual Main Street luncheon at the Neshoba County Fair. She personally approached the Board of Alderman and the Neshoba County Board of Supervisors for new (2006) Christmas decorations for Philadelphia's utility poles; her wish was granted.
She is instrumental in the refurbishing of sidewalks around the square and adding new lampposts. She is currently serving on a committee working with MDOT to secure directional signage as well as a grant project for the same project. She is tireless and dedicated.
SPECIAL SERVICE AWARD (Private Sector)
This award recognizes a citizen from the private sector who has contributed leadership and support for downtown, and who best represents commitment to the goal of revitalization.
Dr. Stanley Hartness - Kosciusko
During his presidency of the Kosciusko-Attala Chamber of Commerce in 2003, Dr. Durward Stanley Hartness spearheaded a drive to establish a destination point for tourists in the downtown area of Kosciusko in Red Bud Springs Park.
Dr. Hartness could see a bronze statue of Tadeusz Kosciuszko standing proud in the park. Kosciuszko was the Polish engineer who volunteered his services to help our country gain its freedom during the Revolutionary War and after whom Kosciusko is named. Dr. Hartness put together a committee to formulate a plan. Dr. Hartness wrote letters to Polish tourists, sent press releases to Polish newspapers, made speeches and committed his own money to the project. He also jump-started the project once when it lagged on the anniversary of Tadeusz Kosciuszko's citizenship, portraying this historical event at the future site of the statue.
With a vision and relentless determination, the $125,000 project was completed in 2006. The unveiling ceremony included exhibits, tours, speeches from West Point and Polish descendants, as well as government officials. Kosciusko welcomes 30,000 visitors annually. Anyone can have a vision, but what makes Dr. Hartness so remarkable is that he stuck with that vision, determined for four years. Dr. Hartness is an inspiration to us all.
SPIRIT OF MAIN STREET AWARD
This special award usually recognizes a youth/adult in a community who has displayed an involved commitment to downtown. This year we recognize three young adults.
Pheobe Hathorn, Jennifer Ware & Rodney Jefferson from Columbia
How refreshing it is that Columbia has three young adults who care so much for their community that they have campaigned to encourage our citizens to love their community as much as they do!
Last spring Pheobe, Jennifer and Rodney came up with a campaign called I LOVE COLUMBIA.Much to the delight of Judy Griffith, Main Street Manager, they participated in Main Street's annual Beach Party on Main Street in August. That evening, the three had complimentary t-shirt and paints for children to design their own I Love Columbia logo. The group then targeted downtown Columbia merchants. Merchants dressed a scarecrow with the logo I Love Columbia on a shirt. These three judged the Main Street Columbia's Scarecrow Contest. At Christmas, the group was busy decorating the Trustmark Bank Christmas tree with original, handmade ornaments. The project list goes on…these talented, bright young people are an inspiration to all of Columbia… SO… Phoebe, Jennifer and Rod - Columbia - and Mississippi Main Street - love you!!!
PAUL COGGIN MEMORIAL AWARD
Due to the commitment, time and enthusiasm that Paul Coggin brought to the Mississippi Main Street Association, a special award has been established in his honor. The Paul Coggin Memorial Award is given to an outstanding board member or volunteer who has been active in a downtown organization for at least the last two years, and who has contributed energy and dedication to downtown revitalization.
Sharon Thompson Harvey - Port Gibson
Mrs. Harvey is president of Thompson Funeral Home, Inc., established by her grandfather in 1932. Mrs. Harvey is a founding member of Port Gibson Main Street established in 1990, and she served either as a board member, committee chair or officer from 1990-1996. After resigning from the Board of Directors, she continued to be an active volunteer and supporter of the Main Street program, particularly with Port Gibson's largest fundraiser, The Heritage Festival.
Mrs. Harvey again agreed to serve on Main Street Board in 2005, assisting with board and volunteer development. Sharon has been instrumental in identifying new sponsors as well as new volunteers who bring new perspectives and ideas to the program overall.
Sharon is a take charge and get it done type person.
A member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, she is active in many other community organizations and activities. She has represented Port Gibson in programs such as the Mississippi State University's Pro-Miss Program …generous with her time, energy, and expertise.
