Main Street Lexington is a volunteer-based organization whose mission is to support, enhance, and promote downtown Lexington.

Main Street Lexington envisions a time where downtown will be THE destination where all will come to work, connect, shop, celebrate, and relax for everyday needs and special moments.

Established in 2013, Main Street Lexington (MSL) works to create a prosperous and welcoming downtown while preserving Lexington’s unique and historic character. MSL plans annual events for the area’s residents to foster community pride and involvement. MSL is part of the Virginia Main Street Program, which uses a proven "Four Point Approach" created by Main Street America to achieve economic revitalization in the context of historic preservation. MSL connects entrepreneurs, Lexington locals, and out-of-town visitors, making downtown Lexington a historic community hub.

As a Main Street America™ Accredited program, Main Street Lexington is a recognized leading program among the national network of more than 1,200 neighborhoods and communities that share both a commitment to creating high-quality places and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development. All Main Street America™ Accredited programs meet a set of National Accreditation Standards of Performance as outlined by Main Street America.

supporting downtown

MSL is a volunteer-driven public/private partnership. Established as the volunteer committee "Lexington Rising" in March 2013, the organization established its board in June 2013 and hired its first executive director in July 2014. We are a certified 501(c)(3) non-profit. All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

​Our operating budget comes from:

• Annual funding from the City of Lexington 
• Income from events and fundraisers 
• Sponsorships of special events and initiatives ​
• Grants and donations

enhancing downtown

As a revitalization organization built along the lines of the National Main Street Program, Main Street Lexington operates four standing committees: 

• Economic Vitality: Economic growth and support of existing businesses 
• Promotions: Promotion of downtown as a vital place to live, work, shop, dine, stay, and play 
• Design: Support for and improvement of the appearance of downtown, including beautification and cleanup projects
• Organization: Engagement with volunteers and downtown stakeholders, including our partners at the colleges, the Chamber of Commerce, Tourism, the City of Lexington, and Rockbridge County

promoting DOWNTOWn

Highlights of ​MSL's impact on downtown Lexington include:

• Over $400,000 in sales through our downtown Gift Certificate program over 10 years, provided fee-free for participating businesses
• Community events that draw thousands of visitors downtown each year, including Rock the Bridge, the Fourth of July Children's Bike Parade, the Candlelight Processional & Tree Lighting, and the Lexington Christmas Parade
• Events that directly promote our downtown businesses, including our twice-annual Sidewalk Sales
• Promotional support for our downtown businesses through monthly Main Street Morning meetings, email and social marketing, traditional advertising, and our Downtown Wayfinding platform
• Over $33,000 distributed to businesses through our Signs & Awnings Grant program since 2013
• 1,703 volunteer hours and $24,280 in donated in-kind professional services in 2023
• Design and beautification improvements, including the recently completed Gateway Triangle Garden