GUEST COMMENTARY: Downtown Gadsden rebounds for a successful 2021
After a trying 2020, our downtown merchants and restaurants rebounded and had an extremely successful 2021. The biggest lesson that we learned was that people want to support small businesses and they did an excellent job as they shopped with our locally owned businesses, making 2021 a record year for most.
Even in the midst of the pandemic, new businesses, along with renovations of various properties, continue to create excitement in the downtown area. During 2021, there were four property sales that opened up space for new businesses. These sales, along with renovations, have provided remarkable improvements in our historic district.
Currently there are 26 loft apartments located in downtown Gadsden. There now are eight loft apartments in the planning/finishing stages, which will be a total of 34 lofts by the first quarter of 2022. There are also another 14 lofts in the planning stages, bring the total to 48 units. Loft living is an important factor in the growth of the downtown area and we are excited to see the progress.
During 2021, we welcomed 11 new businesses in downtown Gadsden, while four businesses either relocated to other areas or closed. This resulted in a net gain of seven new businesses in the historic downtown area with 47 new employees. The new businesses reflect the positive attitude of the owners who believe in the strength of our downtown. They, along with the established businesses, share the vision of the Main Street Community and by working together, we will continue to grow stronger.
The annual Main Street Alabama Conference was held Aug. 18-20. More than 140 people registered for the conference. They shopped and ate with our downtown merchants and restaurants and there were positive comments by all who attended. Mary Helmer Wirth, Main Street Alabama president, presented the following awards during the awards dinner that was held at The Venue at Coosa Landing:
Main Street Hero: John G. “Jack” Page (posthumously)
President’s Leadership Award: Honoring Our Heroes event
Excellence in Historic Rehabilitation: Life Insurance Company of Alabama, Kress and W.T. Grant buildings
Excellence in Fundraising: The Art of Giving
Excellence in Public Relations: “Welcome Back” Promotion
Excellence in Business Development: Video Series for Retail Merchants
Excellence in Promotion: End of the Rainbow Celebration — Restaurants, Bars and Other Places
After being canceled in 2021, First Friday came back as strong as ever, with thousands of people crowding Broad Street, shopping, eating, drinking and enjoying the classic cars that came from across the Southeast. This was a welcome relief after only hosting one First Friday in 2020.
In addition, a successful Sunset Sips was held on Oct. 19. The funds raised were used to pressure wash the sidewalks and pavers on Broad Street from First to Seventh streets in December. We are bright and shiny and ready for more visitors!
The success of downtown Gadsden should be credited to our merchants and restaurants who work together to make our downtown THE place to visit, shop, eat and drink.
We also depend heavily on our financial sponsors and welcome support from individuals as well. Our working partnership with the City of Gadsden, Greater Gadsden Area Tourism, Mary G. Hardin Center for Cultural Arts, the Gadsden Museum of Art, the Gadsden Public Library and Main Street Alabama along with others allow DGI to provide resources to allow small businesses in the downtown area to grow and prosper. This in turn strengthens the entire community.
A strong downtown is the heartbeat of any community and ours is strong!
We learned during the pandemic of 2020 that people want to support small businesses. In 2021, the support was even greater and our small businesses have rebounded with record sales because you have supported them. We are grateful for that support and look forward to seeing you again in 2022. Please continue to shop with our local merchants, eat and drink in our local restaurants and bars, and support our local museums, hospitals, professional services and all other locally owned businesses!
For more information, please check out our website, DowntownGadsden.com, along with our social media pages on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Small Town. Small Shops. Big Treasures. Great Tastes.
Kay Moore is director of Downtown Gadsden Inc.
This article originally appeared on The Gadsden Times: A look at downtown Gadsden in 2021
