The City of Charlottesville has announced three days of events in July to celebrate the Downtown Mall’s anniversary.
Downtown Mall to Celebrate 30 Years with Anniversary Celebration
July Celebration Will Honor 30 Years of Contributions to the City
CHARLOTTESVILLE – The City of Charlottesville along with the Downtown Business Association of Charlottesville announced today a three day celebration to honor a full thirty years of bricking Main Street into one of the most successful pedestrian Malls in the nation. The City, along with downtown businesses, invite visitors and residents to the Downtown Mall on July 6th, 7th and 8th. The opening ceremony will take place at the Central Place at 5:00pm on July 6th with music and a dedication by some of the original architects of the project. A large 30th sculpture of bricks will be created by local artists to commemorate the event.
The Downtown Mall was built in 1976 and has undergone many transitions over the years. Now a thriving pedestrian shopping district, it is seen as one of the most successful downtown renewal projects in the country. Maintained by the Charlottesville Parks and Recreation Department, the historic Downtown Mall is home to a vibrant collection of more than 120 shops and 30 restaurants located in the historic buildings on and around old Main Street Charlottesville.
To coincide with the celebrations a community forum will take place in City Council Chambers on Friday, June 30th starting at 5:00pm. Current and past members of Council and those involved in the planning will discuss the challenges and triumphs of the project and answer questions from the public. The event will be carried live and rebroadcast on Charlottesville’s Own TV 10.
Thursday, July 6th
Opening Ceremonies and Slide Show Retrospective
Friday, July 7th
A Celebration of Downtown Arts and Entertainment
Saturday, July 8th
Family Day with the Kids
