FREDERICKSBURG, VA — A project involving one of downtown Fredericksburg's historic landmarks is getting a $17,000 boost from Virginia as part of a statewide effort to improve commercial districts and attract visitors and businesses.
Fredericksburg VA Main Street Inc. received a $17,000 Downtown Investment Grant for a project involving Market Square, one of 10 such awards announced by Gov. Abigail Spanberger.
The funding is part of $615,000 awarded to 22 communities through the Virginia Main Street program. Specific improvements planned for Market Square were not detailed in the announcement.
Downtown Investment Grants support one-time physical improvements or planning assistance intended to strengthen commercial districts. Projects can include improvements to public spaces, signs, public art and efforts to make downtown areas more welcoming.
"Walkable, vibrant, and unique downtowns are central to attracting businesses, encouraging tourism, and revitalizing communities where Virginians want to live and work," Spanberger said in a statement.
Market Square is part of Fredericksburg's historic Town Hall and Market Square property, a landmark with roots dating to the early 19th century.
The site once served as a center of commercial and civic activity, where residents gathered to buy and sell goods and conduct public business. The historic Town Hall building now houses the Fredericksburg Area Museum.
The Town Hall and Market Square property is listed on the Virginia Landmarks Register and the National Register of Historic Places, reflecting its significance to Fredericksburg's history.
Fredericksburg Main Street is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the city's historic downtown through business support, community partnerships, events and economic development.
The organization has participated in Virginia's Main Street program since 2013, working with local merchants, property owners and community leaders to preserve downtown's historic character while supporting new investment.
Its work focuses on keeping downtown Fredericksburg an active destination for shopping, dining, entertainment and community gatherings.
The city recently recognized the organization for helping generate more than $40 million in private investment in downtown Fredericksburg since 2013.
Fredericksburg's award is among 10 Downtown Investment Grants totaling $445,000. The projects are expected to leverage another $237,000 in local investments.
Another 12 communities received Community Vitality Grants totaling $170,000, bringing the statewide investment to $615,000.
According to the governor's office, Virginia Main Street communities generated more than $41 million in private investment and $10 million in public improvements in 2025, helping create or retain more than 1,200 jobs.
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