Rediscover Martinsville Works for All of Us
Story
Rediscover Martinsville is a historic preservation-based, volunteer-driven, locally funded non-profit organization focused on the revitalization of Downtown Martinsville using the comprehensive Four Point Approach set forth by the National Main Street Center, a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Rediscover Martinsville works to create partnerships that facilitate economic growth to preserve the character of our central business district. Chartered with Indiana Main Street in 2008, Rediscover Martinsville is one of more than 100 Main Street communities statewide.
Mission
Enhance the perception, quality of life, and long-term economic growth of the entire Martinsville community through a concentrated and sustained effort to revitalize the city’s downtown district.
Vision
The efforts of Rediscover Martinsville in Downtown Martinsville will result in measurable economic development based on the following: An increase in the number of rehabilitated buildings, fewer unoccupied buildings, a greater diversity of business offerings, the enhanced physical appearance of public areas including sidewalks, streets, and alleys, and a greater collective sense of responsibility for our downtown.
Success Stories
Downtown Martinsville continues to grow stronger through projects that make our community more welcoming, walkable, and connected. Here are a few of the improvements we’ve completed with the help of local partners, volunteers, and grant support:
- Main Street Revitalization Program (MSRP): Helped six downtown buildings refresh their façades, strengthening the character and charm of our historic district.
- Seasonal Flower Beds: Added bright, colorful plantings around the courthouse square to create a more inviting and vibrant downtown experience.
- Martinsville Cookie Stroll: A December favorite that brings families together for a festive, downtown-wide cookie walk enjoyed by hundreds each year.
- Christmas Adopt-a-Post: Community volunteers decorate our historic lamp posts, giving downtown a warm and welcoming holiday glow.
- Street Tree Replacement: Introduced new, carefully selected trees to improve shade, beauty, and long-term sustainability throughout the district.
- Public Art Initiative: Installed original works that celebrate Martinsville’s history, creativity, and local pride.
- Downtown Bench Restoration: Refurbished existing benches and added new ones with durable materials, offering more comfortable places to rest and enjoy downtown.
Grants & Awards
2016-2017 — Regional Initiative Grant, Indiana Arts Commission ($3,744)
Funded Phase I of the Wisdom of Wooden public art initiative.
2015 — Tourism Enhancement Grant, Visit Morgan County ($5,000)
Supported new public art installations downtown.
2014-2016 — Downtown Enhancement Grant, Indiana Main Street ($10,000)
Replaced dead and dying trees around the courthouse square to sustain downtown beautification.
2012-2014 — Downtown Enhancement Grant, Indiana Main Street ($10,000)
Funded landscaping improvements at the southeast corner of Main and Washington Street.
2010-2012 — Downtown Enhancement Grant, Indiana Main Street ($5,000)
Developed new flower beds on the courthouse square.
Funded Phase I of the Wisdom of Wooden public art initiative.
2015 — Tourism Enhancement Grant, Visit Morgan County ($5,000)
Supported new public art installations downtown.
2014-2016 — Downtown Enhancement Grant, Indiana Main Street ($10,000)
Replaced dead and dying trees around the courthouse square to sustain downtown beautification.
2012-2014 — Downtown Enhancement Grant, Indiana Main Street ($10,000)
Funded landscaping improvements at the southeast corner of Main and Washington Street.
2010-2012 — Downtown Enhancement Grant, Indiana Main Street ($5,000)
Developed new flower beds on the courthouse square.
Board Members
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Allison Schilling
Secretary Years of Service: 2025-Present Eric Singer Krypton Comics Years of Service: 2024-Present John Badger Martinsville Candy Kitchen Years of Service: 2008-Present |
Julie Keister
Years of Service: 2020-Present Kelsy Groover President Latitude 39 Years of Service: 2025-Present Laura Elliott Vice President Years of Service: 2018-Present |
Ron Stanhouse
Immediate Past President The Art Sanctuary Years of Service: 2014-Present Tyler Allen Treasurer Home Bank Years of Service: 2025-Present |