“Downtown Harrisonburg: Past, Present, Future” was produced as a companion video for Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance‘s (HDR) application for National Main Street‘s Great American Main Street Awards 2013. The video concept and creative brief were produced by Nicole Martorana, with input from HDR staff. The video was produced by DIGICO Shoot | Post | Design.
The main goal of the video was to demonstrate the value and strength of HDR as a key resource in revitalizing downtown Harrisonburg by citing the history of the district, the work of HDR in its redevelopment and historic preservation, and future plans for shaping the community through economic development, promotion and events, organization, and design.
Since HDR’s founding in 2003, downtown Harrisonburg has seen a significant increase in locally-owned businesses, a greater diversity of community events, and an improvement in the visual appearance and atmosphere of the downtown district. Through collaboration with public and private partners, HDR has advocated for entrepreneurs by connecting them with resources to help their businesses succeed, promoted the importance of historic preservation, and enhanced recognition of the downtown district as a vibrant community for working and living.
With a commitment to supporting the diversity of the community through events that focus on the area’s authentic history, a burgeoning local food culture and a growing appreciation for wine and craft beer, a close connection to outdoor recreation, and a personalized shopping experience where customers often buy directly from shop owners, HDR is helping Harrisonburg to gain regional and national attention.
The video sought to highlight these accomplishments through interviews with key community members and visual evidence of downtown Harrisonburg’s revitalization.
HDR was one of the top eight finalists for the Great American Main Street Awards 2013.
