Starkville Main Street Presents 2013 Awards

On September 26, the Starkville Main Street Association held its Annual Meeting and introduced a new set of annual member awards aimed at recognizing members who have helped to advance the mission of Starkville Main Street.

As a part of the Mississippi Main Street Association, Starkville Main Street seeks to invigorate, revitalize and preserve the Downtown District of Starkville, including the Main Street District, Russell Boulevard District and the Cotton District. The Main Street organization works in conjunction with the Starkville Convention & Visitor's Bureau to solidify Downtown Starkville as one of our community's premiere destinations. Downtown Starkville has been recognized as one of the top five Downtown areas in Mississippi for the past two years in Mississippi Magazine's annual "Best of Mississippi" reader's poll. We are proud of the contributions this year's award winners are making to create this vibrant District.

2013 MAIN STREET AWARD WINNERS

Best Adaptive Re-Use Project

WINNER: SPROUT

This award is granted to the best adaptive reuse of a building that has outlived its former use.  Originally a home that was used for commercial purposes for years, the Underwoods undertook a renovation project in a former florist.  Beginning with the adaptive re-use of the original house, the owners also built new buildings and landscaping to enhance this prominent corner of downtown.  Sprout also fills a needed niche of downtown Starkville’s retail market in their specialization of outdoor furniture and accessories, in addition to interior design and unique infant wear.

Best Historic Rehabilitation Project

WINNER: Ross, Kelley & Martin, PLLC

This award is granted to an individual or business that has completed an outstanding historic rehabilitation project that maintains the use of the building. The project must be located in the downtown district and should include exterior rehabilitation work, but could be both interior and exterior work.  The offices of Ross, Kelley & Martin, PLLC is one of the first private redevelopment projects on Highway 182.  Rehabilitating a charming gas station into their law offices demonstrates that historic buildings can find a new function in an economic manner that maintains the integrity of the original building.

Best Facade Rehabilitation Over $10,000

WINNER: Nine Twenty-Nine

This award recognizes the best single facade renovation project completed with over $10,000. The physical design of the facade should enhance the commercial district in appearance or function and encourage further design improvements. Although Nine Twenty-Nine is more than a simple façade rehabilitation, the new façade is one of the most intriguing characteristics of the renovation.  By moving the exterior wall back to provide for outdoor seating, the new façade interacts with the street to enhance social interaction between patrons and pedestrians.

Best New Development Project

WINNER: Renasant Bank

This award is granted to an individual or business that has undertaken a new development project within the downtown district. The project should not only achieve financial success and quality design, but also have a positive impact on downtown revitalization. Possibly the largest single building private investment in downtown in 25 years, the commitment of Renasant Bank to build a monument building on a site that was previously a parking lot and metal buildings pushes downtown development to a new level.  Along with other private development on this corner from Tabor and Sprout, the intersection of North Montgomery and Lampkin Street is now one of the most attractive corners in our downtown.

Merchant of the Year

WINNER: Deep South Pout

This award recognizes excellence in the retail field. This award goes to a merchant who has been a "mover and shaker" in downtown revitalization. The recipient should exemplify the best in merchandising, inventory, display, hours. Deep South Pout has revolutionized downtown retail especially as it relates to e-commerce and social media sales. They've doubled the size of their store, opened an online store, and received statewide and regional attention as a leader in the industry.

Partner of the Year

WINNER: City of Starkville

This award is granted to an individual, business, or organization that has displayed great commitment and support to downtown revitalization through programming, financial support, economic restructuring, and organizational assistance. Starkville Main Street has been fortunate to have the support of the City of Starkville from our organization’s inception.  The city leadership continues to allow Starkville Main Street to attain our goals in design, economic restructuring, and promotions through a number of their departments.  The Street Department was instrumental in the installation of our new directional signage program.  The Police and Fire Department continue to assist with such events as Pumpkinpalooza, Downtown Block Party, Fires Station Park, and others. The Starkville Electric Department has been an excellent partner in the implementation of our Christmas lights and decorations, as well as assisting with planter water/electric maintenance and the implementation of our new downtown music.

Best Creative Window Display

WINNER: Aspen Bay

This award is granted to a business that has displayed unique style, creativity, and resourcefulness in creating appealing window displays that add to the character, aesthetics, and appeal of Downtown Starkville. As citizens and visitors walk our downtown streets, one of the most intriguing and appealing windows every season is Aspen Bay.  The creative use of materials and textures draws the potential customer in to see what else this Starkville original has to offer.

Congratulations to our 2013 winning Main Street members!