The Hopewell Downtown Partnership is busy marketing the district’s unique qualities to community members, potential investors and businesses, and visitors. Many thanks to our media partners!

Inaugural Made in Hopewell Conference and Trade Show, free admission

September 11th, 2024 | Highly interactive event celebrates entrepreneurial spirit of Hopewell, showcases manufacturing of all sizes and scales, brings visibility to local small-batch producers, craftspeople.

• Cardinal News – Redefining Made in Hopewell for Tomorrows Generations

• AP News – https://apnews.com/press-release/ein-presswire-newsmatics/virginia-advansix-inc-6107d9a8854d148cfdb1d5e6419efd5a

• WRIC – https://www.wric.com/news/local-news/the-tri-cities/i-learned-a-lot-to-help-my-business-made-in-hopewell-conference-and-trade-show-makes-debut/https://www.wric.com/business/press-releases/ein-presswire/741957657/made-in-hopewell-event-celebrates-manufacturing-ecosystem-in-hopewell/

• The Virginia Tribune – https://www.thevirginiatribune.com/article/741957657-made-in-hopewell-event-celebrates-manufacturing-ecosystem-in-hopewell

• Virginia Industry Chronicle – https://www.virginiaindustrychronicle.com/article/741957657-made-in-hopewell-event-celebrates-manufacturing-ecosystem-in-hopewell

• International Manufacturing Update – https://www.internationalmanufacturingupdate.com/article/741957657-made-in-hopewell-event-celebrates-manufacturing-ecosystem-in-hopewell

• US Manufacturing Reporter – https://www.usmanufacturingreporter.com/article/741957657-made-in-hopewell-event-celebrates-manufacturing-ecosystem-in-hopewell

• Small Business News Watch – https://www.smallbusinessnewswatch.com/article/741957657-made-in-hopewell-event-celebrates-manufacturing-ecosystem-in-hopewell

• Entrepreneurship Reporter – https://www.entrepreneurshipreporter.com/article/741957657-made-in-hopewell-event-celebrates-manufacturing-ecosystem-in-hopewell

 

Coverage of the First-Ever Hopewell Rivers & Roads Festival Sept 6th, 7th, 8th

• WTVR Signature Event for the Community to Look Forward To
• WRIC Weekend Full of Events
• Progress-Index Three Days of Fun
• Mike King ESPN Business
• Basscast Winners of Hopewell Rivers & Roads 

 

Homebuilder’s long-planned Hopewell brewery is ‘full-speed ahead’

September 23rd, 2024 | The project is fueled in part by a $500,000 grant from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development’s “Mixed Use on Main Street” program, which incentivizes developers to renovate old buildings in certain downtown corridors. 

Governor Youngkin Announces $1.5 Million in Mixed Use on Main Street Grants

February 23rd, 2024 | Governor Glenn Youngkin announced today $1.5 million in Mixed Use on Main Street (MUMS) funding for three projects located in the city of Hopewell and the towns of Marion and Pulaski. The projects will transform a vacant property located in Hopewell’s Downtown Historic District, add eight market rate apartments in Pulaski and renovate the Gospel Armory and Past Time Antique buildings into 12 apartments and two retail spaces in the town of Marion.

New tourism trail highlights stops on Routes 5 and 10

August 4th, 2023 | James City, Charles City, Surry, Prince George and Hopewell, as well as the Hopewell Downtown Partnership organization, spent the past year establishing The 5&Dime Trail, which will feature various restaurants, shops, parks and outdoor recreational attractions, and is designed to increase day trip tourist traffic and overnight guests in each of the localities.

Hopewell Downtown Partnership Holds a Downtown Open House

June 8th, 2023 | On April 27th, Hopewell Downtown Partnership (HDP) welcomed supporters, citizens, partners, and the downtown-curious to an open house highlighting recently completed projects, teasing upcoming developments, and providing the opportunity for attendees to be a part of the community’s transformation.

Hopewell Bluegrass Jamboree: Eat award-winning Virginia barbecue while tappin’ your toes

March 19th, 2023 | The Hopewell Bluegrass Jamboree kicks off another season at Saucy’s restaurant in Hopewell this month. The 2023 lineup features new bands and fan-favorites from previous years.

HDP Director Named Top 100 People to Meet in 2023

November 29th, 2022 | It’s time to set your social calendar for 2023, and here are some Virginians you’ll want to introduce yourself to — Virginia Business’ fourth annual list of 100 people to meet in the new year.

Between two rivers, a city’s hopes are tied to healthy waters

September 15th, 2022 | The Hopewell Downtown Partnership works to revitalize Downtown areas like East Broadway by encouraging new businesses and increasing foot traffic. Among its efforts, the nonprofit has rehabilitated historic storefronts and organizes regular events, including a farmers market and street festivals during the summer months.

First-time Restaurateurs Cooking Up Burger Joint in Hopewell
August 17th, 2022 | Two newcomers to the restaurant business are making their first foray into the industry in downtown Hopewell. Jonathan Montiel and Phillip Hughes are opening City Point Ice Cream & Burgers later this month at 236 E. Broadway, near the Beacon Theatre.

Hopewell Business Owners Get Boost After Pitch Competition
July 15th, 2022 | “Homegrown for Hopewell is proving that there is an immense amount of creative energy in the area, as well as a need for additional programming and access for capital,” she said. “Our board hopes to find innovative ways to build on the Community Business Launch Grant with our partners and keep startup resources flowing into the business community in Hopewell.”

Hopewell Offering Grant Money to Future Business Owners
January 10th, 2022 | Heather Lyne, the director of the Hopewell Downtown Partnership, said the winners won’t just receive money and be sent on their way. “You’ll have ongoing support services through us, the Hopewell Downtown Partnership, City of Hopewell, and the Minority Small Business Launch Center,” she described. “There are a lot of new businesses that already started. A couple of properties are under contract right now. It’s a really good time to get in at this point in the revitalization of the city,” she explained. 

Hopewell Seeks Entrepreneurs and Creatives: 
January 10th, 2022 | Looking to enhance your business savvy or open a second location? Homegrown for Hopewell plans to hand out awards from a $30,000 grant to several winners with the goal of opening three new businesses in vacant Downtown Hopewell spaces. 

Local Acting Troupe Ready to Raise the Curtain at New Theater in Hopewell
February 4th, 2022 | After several years without a stage to call its own, a local acting troupe has landed in Downtown Hopewell. Box 5 Cabaret Theatre at 212 E. Broadway will be christened with its first performance Friday. The new venue is operated by theater company The Phantom Players. “It’s a cabaret with an almost comedy club-type feel.” Frame said. The theater’s name is a reference to “Phantom of the Opera,” Box 5 being the Phantom’s private seating chamber to take in performances

Governor Northam Announces More Than $4.4 Million to Revitalize Communities Across Virginia
October 20th, 2021 | Governor Ralph Northam today announced that local business owners and community organizations will benefit from more than $4.4 million in grants for 33 investment projects across the Commonwealth. These projects will create and support business development, economic recovery, and the redevelopment of industrial and commercial structures.

• Homegrown for Hopewell | $45,000

• Small Scale Developer Education and Activation | $95,000

Hopewell’s Final 2021 ‘Third Thursday’ Block Party
September 15th, 2021 | “Third Thursdays are a perfect open-air opportunity for networking, visiting old friends, interacting with business owners, and showcasing the momentum that exists around revitalizing Hopewell,” said HDP Executive Director Heather Lyne. “We like to say that Downtown Hopewell is where friends and rivers meet as a way to draw attention to the gorgeous waterfront and the city’s small-town feel.”. 

Hopewell Revives ‘Third Thursdays’ Street Festivals, now allows open containers
June 12th, 2021 | Hopewell is bringing back its “Third Thursdays” street festivals with live music, kids’ activities, raffles, food trucks and local restaurants. The events, which are held in the downtown area on East Broadway Street, are scheduled for July 15, Aug. 19 and Sept. 16. Each festival runs from 5-8 p.m. “With the economic challenges of the past year, we felt it best to funnel event dollars into our restaurants,” said Heather Lyne, director of the Hopewell Downtown Partnership. “We hope that the public will understand and support this experiment!”

Hopewell’s First Community Bike Ride
June 4th, 2021 | Our goal is to promote Downtown Hopewell as a walkable and bikeable community and to bolster excitement around the City’s Active Connections Bike Lane Plan, said Lyne. We really like Urban Cycling Group’s emphasis on safety and community and are lucky to have them working with us and Recreation and Parks. 

New Yoga Studio Puts Mat Down in Hopewell
May 5th, 2021 | Skalsky grew up in Prince George County but attended church in Hopewell. She said that part of her interest in her location was what she described as a new energy in the downtown area spurred by new businesses.

Local Entrepreneurs Save Hopewell Coffee Shop
January 11th, 2021 | Larry Hancock (left), owner of Legacy Roasting Company, and Crisman White (right), owner of Room ESC, have joined forces to save downtown Hopewell’s coffee shop and communal gallery space, Guncotton Coffee and Gallery, from permanently closing as a result of the novel coronavirus pandemic. 

Hopewell, VA’s complete streets overhaul shows small towns can be urbanist too
January 5th, 2021 | By emphasizing the health and safety of residents, Hopewell’s leaders have put complete streets at the center of the city’s transformation.

Hopewell business owner starts petition to keep Christmas lights on trees year-round
December 28th, 2020 | Heather Lyne, the Director of Hopewell Downtown Partnership, says she sees the additional lighting as a plus for the area.

Dog’s add an ‘aww’ factor to the Hopewell Portrait Project
November 20th, 2020 | Photographer says he chose to take pictures as proof that Hopewell is far more than the industrial base that originally put the city on the map.

Hopewell works to spur downtown revitalization after decades of stagnation
February 21, 2020 | Five or six years ago, 80% of the buildings downtown were empty, but the vacancy rate has dropped to 20 or 25%, with plans underway to fill some spots.

Downtown Hopewell Observes National Farmer’s Market Week
August 7th, 2018 | The Hopewell Downtown Partnership (HDP) and Guncotton Coffee and Gallery are excited to host an Indoor Farmers Market …

Service Members Earn Place of Honor in Hopewell
August 7th, 2018 | As Julie Smith Dauksys and her 14-year-old son Evan walked along the sidewalk on West Broadway in Hopewell…

New Downtown Apartments Under Construction
August 2nd, 2018 | Hopewell celebrates groundbreaking for Freedman Point…

Painting the Town “Verde”
July 29th, 2018 | Meredith Dean serves up fresh foods, baked goods in Hopewell…

Hopewell Planners Hear New Housing Proposal
July 25th, 2018 | A developer has been eyeing the Patrick Copeland site, hoping to craft a “planned unit development” that will feature a cluster of apartment buildings with two designated retail spaces, a restaurant…

Micro Winery Sets Hopewell Abuzz
July 21st, 2018 | As the city continues to see the fruits of revitalization efforts downtown, a new business is scheduled to bloom this fall at 235 East Broadway Avenue: Haley’s Honey Meadery…

Fifth Annual Get Your Butts to Broadway Hopewell Fireworks Show Entertain Hundreds
July 1st, 2018 | Those walking to get to other vendors on East Broadway Avenue Saturday had to weave in and out of the crowds as hundreds gathered for the fifth annual Get Your Butts to Broadway event…

New Meadery in the Works
June 29th, 2018 | ‘Local Foods’ grant to connect city with food enterprise experts…

Hopewell Sets Sights on Kitchen Incubator
June 15th, 2018 | ‘Local Foods’ grant to connect city with food enterprise experts…

Legacy is Born
June 3rd, 2018 | Legacy Roasting Company holds ribbon-cutting ceremony…

Crafting a Legacy
December 29th, 2017 | The season for roasting chestnuts is coming to an end. And for Hopewell, the season for roasting coffee beans is just beginning..

Harvest Festival Brings Buzz to Broadway
November 20th, 2017 | Hundreds of people came out to support local vendors, catch a bite to eat and listen to the tunes of Richmond band Cat Daddy at the fourth annual Harvest Festival, hosted by the Hopewell Downtown Partnership.

Harvest Festival Doubles in Size
November 16th, 2017 | If you’re looking to source an all-local Thanksgiving meal or get a jump-start on holiday shopping for handmade gifts, look no further than the fourth annual Harvest Festival this Saturday.

Small Business Saturday coming to Hopewell
October 27th, 2017 | With the city’s continued efforts to revitalize downtown and foster economic growth, this week Mayor Jackie Shornak announced that Small Business Saturday will take place on Saturday, Nov. 25, and council also approved funding for two new city projects