Roanoke Rapids is one of 61 "Main Street" communities across NC and 1200 across the US. What does this mean? It means the Roanoke Rapids Historic District is now a part of Main Street communities across the state that have seen $1.4 billion in new investment, a net gain of 13,700 jobs, the renovation of 3,300 buildings, and a net gain of 3,300 businesses since 1980. It also means we have access to funding opportunities and tools to help our small business and property owners in Historic Roanoke Rapids succeed.
Benefits for Property Owners
- Increased property values
- Less vacancy and/or shorter-term vacancies
- More financially stable tenants
- Business recruitment assistance
- Coordination of partnership efforts
- Access to grants and knowledge of property rehabilitation
Benefits for Business Owners
- Increased foot traffic and both new and repeat customers
- Coordinated promotion for downtown/uptown businesses
- Increased number of uptown/downtown businesses and increased goods and services offered
- Increased downtown/uptown workers
- Increased marketing efforts
- Access to knowledge about the market and coordinated business assistance
Benefits to Roanoke Rapids At-Large
- Increased jobs
- Increased quality of life, activities, attractions and events
- Increased public space, recreational and park venues
- Increased housing opportunities
- Increased opportunities for volunteerism
- Increased interest in industrial development within the region
- Increased opportunity for grants & coordination of public/private partnerships
Make a tax-deductible donation to Main Street Roanoke Rapids online today!
Become a Volunteer
Volunteers are the most important part of revitalizing Uptown and Downtown, and you can join the team of individuals working to better Historic Roanoke Rapids today! From serving on the Main Street Roanoke Rapids Board of Directors to being an event volunteer, you can be a part of preserving Roanoke Rapids and Halifax County's history forever!
How Do I Volunteer?
Simply click on the link to the Main Street Roanoke Rapids Volunteer Form, print and complete it, and submit it to the MSRR Office (located at City Hall) or by mail to:
Main Street Roanoke Rapids
P.O. Box 1227
Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870
Then expect us to contact you about when you can start volunteering for Main Street Roanoke Rapids!
Here's the form, so volunteer now!
Nestled near pristine lakes and the mighty Roanoke River, Roanoke Avenue and the surrounding historic district blends the beauty of the ages with small town traditions while showcasing new and innovative approaches to commerce. As the vibrant economic hub of Roanoke Valley, this is the place to live, work and play.
Roanoke Rapid’s Historic District is the center of community life where the rich heritages of the textile mill villages and the railroad and river commerce markets have evolved into two distinct commercial districts and a national historic district linked by history. Our Main Street District offers more than 200 independent businesses, cultural and recreational experiences and government services to grow and maintain a sustainable local economy.
Roanoke Avenue Business Alliance, now doing business as Main Street Roanoke Rapids, is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization with a mission to alleviate the physical, economic, and social deterioration and increase economic activity and employment of the Main Street District in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina. Main Street Roanoke Rapids promotes development to enhance the overall business and commercial environment and assist in the historic preservation of the Avenue. Main Street Roanoke Rapids is a resource team thus improving the quality of life for all people of the Roanoke Rapids Area.
Roanoke Rapids is a designated NC Main Street community that uses the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Main Street Four-Point Approach® which includes: organization, promotion, design and economic restructuring to implement a downtown revitalization initiative.
NC Main Street Program
Roanoke Rapids is proud to be a NC Main Street Community.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation developed the The "Main Street" concept in 1980 to stimulate economic development through historic preservation. It is now a comprehensive, downtown revitalization approach utilized by its network of 61 cities and towns in NC and 1200 across the US.
The Four Point Approach includes:
- Organization
- Promotion
- Design
- Economic Restructuring
With support from the City of Roanoke Rapids, Main Street Roanoke Rapids (MSRR) is the agency tasked with carrying out this mission in Roanoke Rapids.
For more information, visit:
Roanoke Rapids is proud to be a NC Main Street Community.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation developed the The "Main Street" concept in 1980 to stimulate economic development through historic preservation. It is now a comprehensive, downtown revitalization approach utilized by its network of 61 cities and towns in NC and 1200 across the US.
The Four Point Approach includes:
- Organization
- Promotion
- Design
- Economic Restructuring
With support from the City of Roanoke Rapids, Main Street Roanoke Rapids (MSRR) is the agency tasked with carrying out this mission in Roanoke Rapids.
For more information, visit: