Rediscover Martinsville Works for All of Us
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.
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.
Success Stories
- Main Street Revitalization Program (MSRP) - grant-funded facade improvements for six buildings
- Downtown flower beds - seasonal bursts of color beautify the courthouse square
- Martinsville Cookie Stroll - a popular progressive cookie collection event held in December
- Christmas Adopt-a-Post - decorating the downtown period lamp posts for the holiday season
- Street tree replacement - new trees carefully selected and planted with site conditions in mind
- Public Art Initiative - original artwork celebrating Martinsville's history and heritage
- Downtown bench restoration - new ipe slats, refinished metal frames, additional new benches
Grant Awards
2016-2017 Regional Initiative Grant, Indiana Arts Commission $3,744 Wisdom of Wooden Public Art Initiative, Phase I
2015 Tourism Enhancement Grant, Visit Morgan County $5,000 Public art
2014-2016 Downtown Enhancement Grant, Indiana Main Street $10,000 Replace dead and dying trees on perimeter of courthouse square
2012-2014 Downtown Enhancement Grant, Indiana Main Street $10,000 Landscaping, southeast corner of Main and Washington Street
2010-2012 Downtown Enhancement Grant, Indiana Main Street $5,000 Flower beds on courthouse square
2015 Tourism Enhancement Grant, Visit Morgan County $5,000 Public art
2014-2016 Downtown Enhancement Grant, Indiana Main Street $10,000 Replace dead and dying trees on perimeter of courthouse square
2012-2014 Downtown Enhancement Grant, Indiana Main Street $10,000 Landscaping, southeast corner of Main and Washington Street
2010-2012 Downtown Enhancement Grant, Indiana Main Street $5,000 Flower beds on courthouse square
Leadership/Board Members
Pamela Hurst, The Sterling Butterfly, President 2020-2022
Ron Stanhouse, The Art Sanctuary, Vice President 2014-2018
Laura Elliott, The Source: The Co-Work Space on the Square, Secretary 2018-2024
Julie Keister, Treasurer 2020-2022
John Badger, Martinsville Candy Kitchen 2008-2021
Eric Singer, Krypton Comics, 2024
Ron Stanhouse, The Art Sanctuary, Vice President 2014-2018
Laura Elliott, The Source: The Co-Work Space on the Square, Secretary 2018-2024
Julie Keister, Treasurer 2020-2022
John Badger, Martinsville Candy Kitchen 2008-2021
Eric Singer, Krypton Comics, 2024