Explore Main St. Louisa
Our vision for the Town of Louisa is the commercial and cultural heart of a vibrant rural historic Virginia community.
Our Mission: Make the Town of Louisa the place where residents are happy to live, businesses are thriving, and visitors want to return.
We do this by forging community partnerships with multiple stakeholders to create a connected community that celebrates our historic and cultural character, cultivates the town’s businesses, and enhances our artistic and recreational assets.
Main Street Approach
The Main Street ApproachTM is the National Main Street Center’s framework for community revitalization. Centered around Four Points, the Approach offers community-based revitalization initiatives with a strategic, adaptable framework for community transformation that the Main Street Louisa Committee tailored to local conditions.
Four focus points for a Main Street organization: Organization, Design, Promotion, and Economic Vitality.
Be part of the transformation! The Explore Main Street Louisa Committee is seeking passionate volunteers to help implement the 2025-2028 Main Street Work Plan. This is a hands-on opportunity to support economic growth, community events, beautification projects, and business development in the Town of Louisa.
Whether you have a few hours a month or want to take on a leadership role, your involvement makes a difference!
Completed Projects
Strategic Market Analysis
The Strategic Market Analysis for Main Street Louisa, completed in May 2023, provided a comprehensive evaluation of the town's economic landscape and potential for growth. Conducted by Dr. Matt Wagner, Chief Program Officer at the National Main Street Center, the analysis utilized data gathered through community surveys, asset mapping, and market research. This report offered critical insights into defining the Main Street area, identifying target markets, and shaping a data-driven strategic plan to revitalize downtown Louisa. The findings will guide the Louisa Forward Foundation and its partners in enhancing local economic vitality and attracting both residents and visitors to the historic downtown.
Charge Up Louisa
The Charge Up Louisa project, which went live in June 2024, marks a significant step towards sustainability and economic growth in the Town of Louisa. Spearheaded by the Louisa Forward Foundation in partnership with Rappahannock Electric Cooperative's subsidiary Vividly Brighter, Dominion Energy, and the Town of Louisa, this initiative introduced the town's first public electric vehicle charging stations. Located at the Louisa Arts Center and Frosties on Main Street, the dual-port chargers can accommodate up to eight vehicles at once. This project not only supports the growing number of electric vehicle drivers but also aligns with the town's broader Main Street revitalization efforts by attracting visitors and bolstering the local economy.
3 Year Strategic Plan
Funded by the Town's Economic Development Authority (EDA), was developed to guide the revitalization of the Town as a vibrant commercial and cultural hub. Completed in October 2024, the strategic plan was crafted by a consultant in collaboration with a steering committee of local leaders, including town officials, business owners, and community stakeholders. The plan is rooted in the National Main Street Center’s Four Points of Focus and aims to create a connected community that celebrates Louisa’s historic and cultural character, supports thriving businesses, and enhances artistic and recreational assets.
150th Anniversary
Wayfinding Needs Assessment
The Wayfinding Needs Assessment project, completed in April 2024, was conducted by Frazier Associates in partnership with the Louisa Forward Foundation to evaluate the directional signage and navigational needs of the Town of Louisa. The assessment involved gathering input from a local wayfinding task group, conducting a site visit to observe current signage and key destinations, and compiling a report with recommendations for a customized wayfinding system. The project identified key destinations such as Historic Downtown, Town Hall, and Louisa Art Center, and provided foundational insights for enhancing the town’s navigational experience and branding in future phases.