Economic Restructuring in Uptown - as in all of Martinsville and Henry County - will ultimately be successful because of several key, dynamic momentums that are creating more potential for income generation and a revitalized community.
Based on the economic heritage of furniture-making, the beauty of the natural environment and the cultural traditions in the arts, Uptown will once again become a dynamic urban center of activity for the region - attracting visitors and uplifting the quality of life.
The Uptown Partners process has invited community participation in key conversations that are delving into the issues, opportunities and early stage action for significant forward movement.
These include the:
- The Business Support Working Group markets Uptown as a business friendly district, recuiting quality retail and niche restuarants. They do this by supporting Martinsville in the development of incentives strategies and providing trainings in web-based business and web based marketing.
- The Rives Theater Working Group is focused on keeping the Rives Theater a central, ongoing musical performance venue. They catalyze diverse volunteer energy from both artists and folks who care about the arts. The working group has evolved into a Friends of the Rives Theater non-profit.
- The Visual and Performing Arts Working Group collaboratively markets Uptown as an arts district, focusing particularly on the promotion of arts based events in Uptown. They are currently exploring the development of an arts council.
- The Beautification and Public Spaces Working Group is focused on the development of green space and outdoor performance venues in Uptown. Currently they are exploring ways to develop aesthetic continuity in Uptown.
Martinsville Uptown Physical Improvement Plan - The Active Living Working Group is currently being lead by an existing recreation group, Activate Martinsville Henry County.
Want to become a part of one of these working groups? Send us an e-mail at Contact Us and come on-board!
