A recent Roanoke Times
commentary stated that downtowns represented the soul of a community and examined how perceptions and values about them have changed significantly, repeatedly and quickly over the past two decades.
"
Downtown is the stage on which we celebrate our community," is a quote from that commentary, attributed to a museum director from one northern city.
Local civic, business and town leaders are currently working to "
stage" events to celebrate Christiansburg, its downtown, and small town living this summer. Many small businesses and home-grown entrepreneurs are donating time, talent, services or funding to offer the larger community a re-introduction to an old friend -- our downtown.
Christiansburg's "stage" has always been that of government -- both for the town itself and also serving as the county seat. Plans for building a new courthouse that should serve the community for the next 25 to 35 years (depending on speed of growth) will be unveiled during this year's county budget cycle.
The county seat, Christiansburg, also has a strong focus on medical service and providers -- back hurt, sore eyes, have a tooth ache, or just need a regular check up? All these medical service providers can be found within a few blocks of the county courthouse or town hall. Some 40+ retailers are also located downtown, serving the county or medical employee base with restaurant or shopping choices -- along with the larger, residential community which surrounds this regional historic point of commerce, trade and government.
More attention should be paid to preservation of buildings that have seen 100 years of activity ebb and flow in the downtown. Even buildings that were constructed in the 1950s now qualify for historic preservation (doesn't
that make you feel young).
The Montgomery Museum and Christiansburg Institute are doing what they can to preserve some structures and document our history, but much more needs to be done and they need community support. Christiansburg's downtown landscape still provides a strong profile of church steeples, but other older buildings that are well maintained are few and far between.
Progress doesn't mean destroying our past, or building as cheaply as possible. Abundant evidence for this position can be seen in other area downtowns that have committed resources to enhancing or reviving these community treasures.
Traditional downtowns are unique -- all are distinct, yet similarities can be seen.
Downtowns are so special that developers and even some tourist destinations try to
recreate them through town or lifestyle centers or special exhibits.
In an urban society, downtowns can themselves replicate yesterday's "backyard fence" as the place to reconnect with friends or neighbors, share news or exchange opinions and views. Or visit the old Post Office to buy stamps, do a little banking and get a quick haircut, all in one stop.
Montgomery County is rich with its own special downtowns -- Blacksburg, Christiansburg and Radford (technically an independent city, yet still perceived as part of the county "family") -- as well as having many traditional small villages.
If you haven't done so lately, plan on visiting soon -- each downtown has special activities throughout the year to enjoy on your own, or with family and friends.
A "walkabout" in downtown Christiansburg will delight you in discovering things you didn't know were there, letting you feel the spirit of what it once was and what potential it still holds.