PROJECT INFORMATION
​
The Town of Mount Airy is undertaking a Downtown Master Plan that will serve as a 10-year Strategic Plan for the Downtown Area and Center Street Corridor. The Plan will establish an agreed-upon vision, and an Action Plan to guide investment towards that vision. Many factors, including stakeholder input, will drive and shape this plan and vision.
Downtown Mount Airy is growing as a pedestrian-friendly and vibrant small-town destination within a highly accessible and marketable location. Like many small towns, Mount Airy is charming, safe, and desirable because of its unique scale, walkability, history, culture, livability, vibrancy, architecture and character. Like many historic small towns, however, Mount Airy has some challenges: narrow streets, limited parking, awkward and unsafe intersections, challenging grades and topography, seemingly obsolete historic buildings, and pedestrian-vehicular conflicts. At the same time, it is these assets – the organic street grid and small blocks, pedestrian-scaled streets, historic buildings, natural features and topography, and architectural character - that give Mount Airy its unique sense of place.
CLICK THE NUMBERS TO VIEW MORE INFO
Downtown Parking
Currently, parking in the Downtown Core is perceived to be insufficient and lacking functionality and attractiveness. As businesses grow and new infill development occurs, pressure on parking will only increase. This planning effort will explore the potential to make existing parking areas more efficient, add parking where possible, and improve the safety and attractiveness of parking areas through lighting and landscaping. Additionally, the plan will explore potential requirements for adding new parking as part of any new development. Recommendations for signage will address parking visibility, access, and wayfinding improvement needs.
Land Use and Small Business Retention
New infill development should be designed to respect and complement the existing architectural character of the Town. New restaurants, businesses, retail and commercial office should complement and not compete with existing businesses, while encouraging entrepreneurial and small business investments. Office and/or residential uses should be considered, particularly as upper level uses in the Downtown area and along Center Street, with some consideration for housing affordability.
​
​
Project Schedule
The Town of Mount Airy’s Downtown Master Plan is anticipated to be an 8-month planning process which began in February 2018.
​
