Lynchburg, VA - The Economic Development Office says they're seeing lots of redevelopment in downtown Lynchburg -everything from new loft apartments to clothing stores to specialty shops.
City officials say they are very pleased since there has been so much investment in the existing infrastructure over the years.
"This is really the heart of the city, and to have the storefronts filled up, it's just a wonderful story," said Marjette Upshur, director of economic development.
Block by block, storefronts on Main Street are filling up.
"More people are moving down here. It's growing," said Shelley Fendley, the owner of Hanna's Health.
Fendley and her family opened up a health supply store one month ago. They say business is going well.
"It's just a wonderful place to be down here."
Entrepreneur Dan Hague would have to agree.
"The downtown is coming of age. There's a lot of interest, a lot of buzz about what's going on down here and we only see a rosy future," said Hague.
He and a business partner bought property on 1300 Main Street. They're opening up a grocery store and about 15 lofts that Hague says will be "New York style lofts."
"There's a growing need and demand for that service in this part of town," he said.
Right underneath one of those lofts is the Urban Chic store, Gladiola Girls.
"I think it's not just about the economy. I think it's about the renewal of America," said Renee' Wood, the owner.
Wood opened the first one in North Carolina but had to open a second location on Main Street.
"Absolutely loved the architecture downtown. I was really drawn to it," said Wood.
She, along with all the other new owners, says they're not turning back.
"I know it was the right choice. It's all come together really nicely," said Wood.
there's been a big push in the past few months to get people downtown!
Some of the business owners say they're separating themselves from the crowd by staying open on Sundays.
