That resilience draws from Emporia’s unique position as what Johnson calls an “urban rural community.”The city offers amenities typically found in larger urban centers, including public transit, while maintaining the character of a small Southern town. Located strategically at the crossroads of Interstate 95 and U.S. Routes 58 and 301, Emporia sees 60,000 vehicles pass through daily.The city boasts fiber infrastructure at key development sites, a recently renovated YMCA with a $10 million aquatic center, and the EmporiaGreensville Recreation Association Park that hosts regional softball tournaments. “We have our outdoor physical fitness studio. We have our walking trail, we have the YMCA,” Johnson explains. “It is just a great place to live and work and we’ll continue to grow the community and bring other exciting activities to our community.” The walking trail connects the EGRA park directly to downtown Main Street, part of a broader effort to create connectivity throughout the compact city. For a community of just 5,766 residents, these assets represent significant advantages in attracting businesses and residents seeking quality of life without sacrificing modern infrastructure. HISTORIC DISTRICTS MEET MODERN DEVELOPMENT Main Street in Emporia tells two stories simultaneously. The 1781 Greensville County Courthouse anchors a downtown where Spivey’s Meat Market has served customers for over 50 years, while fresh DHCD grant money promises to transform 28 building facades. Economic Development Director Shanetta Beck leads the charge to blend preservation with progress. “We are working with DHCD to become a Main Street community, which involves our business owners and giving them the opportunity to put a stamp in the community,” Beck explains. “We’re trying to create a walkable block that fosters a community where people can live, work and play in the same area.”The recently awarded $100,000 grant from the Department of Housing and Community Development will improve facades across both of Emporia’s historic districts, creating visual cohesion while preserving architectural heritage. Downtown’s existing businesses typify the community’s evolution. Ruby’s shoe repair shop maintains old-world craftsmanship, while three mental health agencies occupy the intersection of Baker and Halifax. The historic bank building on the corner stands “picture perfect,” according to Beck, with offices above street-level storefronts. Southside Housing Development transformed the old Independent Messenger newspaper building into a vibrant community hub. “They purchased this old building, renovated it and turned it into something 3 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07 EMPORIA, VA
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