City of Lynchburg continues Downtown Renewal Project

In April of 2016, the City of Lynchburg began the Downtown Renewal Project to restore Lynchburg’s roads and update the city’s waterlines. However, many local businesses and residents have mixed opinions regarding the construction project. 

With constant road construction and closures, business owners and pedestrians have struggled to enjoy a day downtown.

Some of the affected businesses on Main Street include White Hart, Trading Post and Father’s Cafe and Bakery. This project is expected to last at least another two years.

According to the City of Lynchburg’s website, “The fourth phase of this project will impact Main Street between 12th Street and the Lynchburg Expressway — one of the most utilized gateways to downtown Lynchburg.”

Five blocks in the area will be revitalized in this phase, lasting until approximately 2026, according to the City of Lynchburg.

This does not go without its temporary consequences. There have been negative impacts on the businesses occupying downtown.

“It has been frustrating,” Trading Post employee Aaron Smith said, “because construction is happening right outside and parking has been an issue.”

Down the street at the coffee shop White Hart, there have been similar complaints from customers. 

“We have had customers coming in in less of a good mood,” White Hart barista Vera Maggiar said, “because they had to walk farther than they wanted to.”

With a large section of Main Street currently closed, residents are forced to take detours to get to where they need to go. According to the City of Lynchburg, the construction site’s schedule is busy on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. However, some Lynchburg residents appreciate this project.

“I’m thrilled that it’s happening,” said 34-year-old Lynchburg resident Allen Miller. “It’s exciting to see.”

Despite its current state, there have already been many improvements made since the project’s initiation, cleaning up and restoring multiple areas of downtown.

Residents credit a large part of the downtown renewal to the sudden increase of younger Lynchburg residents. According to FRED Economic Data, the average age of Lynchburg residents has dropped from 33 years old in 2009 to 28.4 in 2022. This data could be attributed to the area’s many colleges, such as Liberty University, University of Lynchburg and Randolph College.

“The fact that the demographics of Lynchburg is getting younger due to the college students (means) they’re seeing it’s a pretty good place to live,” Miller said.

Businesses have also had a positive outlook on construction despite the current challenges, already seeing benefits in the overall lifestyle in the area.

“It (the construction) hasn’t slowed down our business,” said Smith. “People have said that it’s not stopping their business because they love it (the business).”

Luke Bessire is a staff writer for the Liberty Champion.