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3	Full Steam Ahead Welcome and Registration Introduction Peter Trible, Tappahannock Town Council TMSP Overview Forrest French, AIA, StudioAmmons, Petersburg and Acting Chair of TMSP What a Main Street Program Means to your Community Sarah Dillard Pope, Formerly with VA Main Street Program Tappahannock Revitalization Report Laura Baker, VCU Urban & Regional Planning Program TMSP Regional Survey Results David Broad, TMSP Committee Member Questions and Discussion Moderated by Brooke Kriete Mullery Next Steps Forrest French
4	Revitalization Plan for the Traditional Business District in the Town of Tappahannock By Laura Baker Master of Urban & Regional Planning, VCU
5	Location At the intersection of U.S. 17 and U.S. 360 45 miles from: City of Richmond City of Fredericksburg Within 100 miles of: Newport News Norfolk Virginia Beach Washington D.C.
6	Planning Area Consists of the properties fronting: U.S. 17/Church Lane U.S. 360/Queen Street Prince Street
7	History: A Colonial Port
8	History & Background Settled 1608, Incorporated 1926 Grew from port and trade activities Separate government and administration but still intertwined – taxing authority, schools
9	Relevant Plans 2007 Town of Tappahannock Comprehensive Plan 2003 Essex County Comprehensive Plan
10	Surrounding Influences
11	Physical Analysis
12	Existing Building Use
13	Spatial Layout & Building Use
14	Spatial Layout & Building Use Church Lane Primarily auto-oriented commercial or “general commercial” as well as a few public uses and residences Variety of commercial uses – florist, auto dealership, gas stations, antiques shops, hotels, furniture, etc.
15	Spatial Layout & Building Use
16	Spatial Layout & Building Use Prince Street Features an orderly grid pattern of compact urban development Primarily “central business” commercial, office, public uses… Restaurants, bookstore, children’s clothing, etc.
17	Spatial Layout & Building Use Prince Street …and residential uses such as single-family homes and a condominium building on the river
18	Spatial Layout & Building Use Queen Street Mix of “general commercial” and “central business” uses, one residential use
19	Buildings
20	Buildings
21	Vacant Buildings Map
22	Vacant Buildings Map
23	Zoning
24	Infrastructure & Pedestrian Amenities
25	Infrastructure & Pedestrian Amenities
26	Infrastructure & Pedestrian Amenities
27	Commercial Analysis
28	Stakeholder Surveys Consumer Survey Merchant Survey Property Owners Survey
29	Potential Businesses Most Requested by Consumers Clothing Stores/shopping – men, women, girls Sit-down restaurants Small grocery/convenience store Gourmet/specialty shop Art Gallery Coffee Shop Entertainment
30	Traditional Business District Trade Area
31	Quantitative Market Analysis Windshield survey of trade area – type, square footage Categorize businesses according to type Collect national consumer data on spending habits for different incomes Collect national data on business sales per square foot
32	Potential Businesses with Highest Unmet Demand
33	SWOT Analysis Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats
34	SWOT Analysis Strengths Regional Shopping Destination High Traffic Counts Historic District Small Town Atmosphere Existing Independent Businesses Affordable Rent Rappahannock River
35	Weaknesses Run-Down Appearance of Structures Visual Clutter Lack of Design Continuity Limited Pedestrian Access and Connectivity Small or Irregular Parcels Lack of Public Space and River Access
36	Weaknesses Lack of Shopping Variety Lack of Business Organization Lack of Long-term Business Retention Program Lack of Financial Incentives for Building Improvements Limited Capacity
37	Opportunities Space Available for Physical Improvements to Prince St. Possibilities For Design Improvements Redevelopment Potential on Vacant or Underutilized Properties including infill on Prince St. Potential for New Businesses Unmet Demand for Entertainment, Recreational and Cultural Uses
38	Threats National Economic Recession Loss of Established Businesses
39	The Revitalization Plan Based on the Main Street Four-Point Approach Organization Design Economic Restructuring Promotion
40	Goal 1: Organization A strong, well-coordinated coalition of merchants, property owners, residents, officials of the Town and County, community members and other interested stakeholders exists to pursue revitalization activities in the traditional business district.
41	Organization Objective 1.1 Increase the capacity of the citizen-led Tappahannock Main Street Program to achieve its mission and goals and spearhead revitalization efforts in town. Establish group as 501(c) 3 Establish a fundraising strategy Hire a part-time or full-time Executive Director
42	Organization Objective 1.2 Strengthen and enhance the business community’s role as a partner in Tappahannock’s economic success. Form a Traditional Business District group Organize an Assistance Program for business retention, expansion and succession issues
43	Organization Objective 1.3 Enhance the Town of Tappahannock and Essex County’s capacity to strengthen and retain existing area businesses by offering resources and support. Work with the Town and County to apply for Enterprise Zone Status Forge new partnerships or strengthen existing relationships with RRSBDC and MPSBP Develop tax-abatement program
44	Goal 2: Design An attractive physical environment with improved pedestrian safety measures is present through the utilization of cohesive and unifying design elements and amenities between Prince Street, Queen Street and Church Lane.
45	Design Objective 2.1 Achieve the future land uses outlined for the traditional business district through the adoption of new land use and zoning changes.
46	Design Objective 2.2 Preserve the historic assets present in the Town, especially the traditional business district, as they are integral to its unique history, character and identity. New historic architectural survey Extend current Historic Overlay District Designate new Historic Overlay Districts when additional eligible buildings are identified Apply appropriate standards of design review to all major renovations of historic buildings within Historic Overlay District.
47	Design Objective 2.3 Develop and adopt a set of design guidelines for the exterior of buildings, parking, landscaping and signage to steer future development and redevelopment within the traditional business district.
48	Design Objective 2.4 Integrate streetscape elements and low-impact landscaping throughout the traditional business district in order to introduce continuity, provide visual interest and soften the built environment.
49	Design Objective 2.5 Create a safe and pedestrian-friendly traditional business district. Replace and expand the sidewalks in district Replace broken sections of sidewalk Install new sections where missing Install concrete sidewalks along nearby neighborhood streets
50	Design Objective 2.5 continued Bury overhead utility lines Select and install a consistent style of streetscape furniture such as benches and trashcans Select and install a consistent style of pedestrian-scale street lighting Install public art Reduce and eliminate excessive curb cuts
51	Design Objective 2.6 Improve the appearance of the traditional business district through the repair and rehabilitation of existing buildings and the integration of new, architecturally-appropriate infill development. Remove architecturally and historically inappropriate additions and restore building facades Repair buildings which exhibit signs of deferred maintenance
52	Goal 3: Economic Restructuring An active and economically vibrant traditional business district is supported through the retention and expansion of existing businesses as well as the recruitment of new businesses with unmet demand in the area.
53	Economic Restructuring Objective 3.1 Cultivate an active business district through the recruitment of new businesses and businesses looking for expansion opportunities that have shown market potential.
54	Economic Restructuring Objective 3.2 Develop cultural and entertainment attractions in the traditional business district.
55	Economic Restructuring Objective 3.3 Enhance and expand public access to the Rappahannock River thereby providing a natural attraction in the traditional business district.
56	Economic Restructuring Objective 3.4 Create new business development opportunities on Prince Street.
57	Goal 4: Promotion Awareness of the traditional business district’s unique assets and offerings among residents, visitors, commuters and potential customers is increased through the addition of special events, coordinated retail promotions, signage and activities.
58	Goal 4: Promotion Objective 4.1 Increase local business activity through the identification and adoption of new business promotions and activities. Coordinated sales/ promotions Extended hours promotions Brochure Website for area merchants
59	Promotion Objective 4.2 Increase the number of special events such as Rivahfest to attract customers to the downtown and raise awareness of the Town. Develop additional special events: Seafood, River & Boating Festival Arts Festival Historic Homes & Buildings Tour
60	Promotion Objective 4.3 Incorporate new signage to help visitors identify the area, navigate the area and find significant sites.
61	Promotion Objective 4.4 Capitalize more on historic resources in the area.
62	Promotion Objective 4.5 Work with the Town, County and other partner organizations to create awareness and positive press of the revitalization efforts.
63	Thank you!
64	What is your contribution? All interested individuals and businesses that want to support the revitalization and historic preservation of Tappahannock are encouraged to volunteer and support the group's efforts.
65	Ways to participate Become involved Donations, Grants In-kind contributions Grants writing Real estate development expertise
66	Website tappahannockmainstreet.com Provide feedback, ideas
67	Questions and Discussion