Community Development Block Grants
Work with the Town of Luray to administer designated portions of the nearly $1 million made available through acquisition of a CDBG grant. Luray Downtown Initiative’s Executive Director will work closely with Luray’s Town Manager to ensure that applicants meet the criteria for CDBG assistance.
Facade Renovation Grants
Continue fundraising efforts dedicated to building cash reserves for Luray Downtown Initiative’s privately funded Facade Renovation Grant program. Such Grants will be particularly attractive to Downtown property owners who did not apply for assistance through the CDBG program.
Flower Baskets
Install and maintain living flower baskets on alternate (34) light standards within the Downtown perimeter. Baskets and hardware will be supplied by Luray Downtown Initiative with maintenance provided by the Town. Flowers will be purchased through memorial donations.
Shopping/Dining Maps
Color-coded maps showing the location of every business within the Downtown perimeter will be installed in kiosks at each of the Town’s four municipal parking lots. A “You Are Here” button, similar to those found on shopping mall maps, will orient the viewer at each location.
Downtown Marketing
Continue to build partnerships between Downtown businesses, Luray Caverns Corporation and Shenandoah National Park in order to capitalize on the more than 500,000 tourists and guests that visit our area annually.
Wayfinder/Trailblazing Signage
Work with the Town of Luray to implement VDOT’s Integrated Directional Sign Program within the corporate limits of the Town of Luray. Participation in this program will ensure that all directional signs in this area will utilize identical colors and message format to produce a “logo” sign system unique to our community.
Decorative Lighting
Again, work with the Town to gradually replace existing COBRA light fixtures in the Downtown area with streetlights similar in appearance to early 1900s gas lamps.
Cooperative Advertisement
Work with local businesses within the Downtown area to combine resources when purchasing advertising. Cooperative efforts would allow more businesses to obtain coverage in media with greater circulation at an affordable cost.
Promotional Coalition
Continue to build and strengthen partnerships and coalitions with Luray Caverns Corporation, Shenandoah National Park, Page County Chamber of Commerce, Virginia Main Street and other community organizations such Luray’s Tree and Beautification Committee to promote and market Luray’s Downtown District.
New / Existing Businesses
Recognize new businesses in the Downtown area through special events such as “ribbon-cuttings” and media notification. Encourage both new and existing business owners through frequent seminars that include motivational speakers from other successfully revitalized communities. Continue to conduct marketing surveys through the auspices of Virginia Main Street and provide the results to Downtown merchants and businesses.