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Pulaski revitalization aims to breathe life into old town

PULASKI, Va. – Pulaski has a rich history in Southwest Virginia, but since manufacturing left the area, it has struggled with few people and businesses remaining.

“Pulaski was a center of industry, and we want to bring it back to those roots that we love so dearly,” said Austin Painter with the Town.

In an effort to revitalize the town, leaders are working on a downtown makeover.

“Businesses are one of our major focuses,” said Painter. “This is one of the most anticipated projects that we have at the town because it is so crucial to what people identify when they hear Pulaski. We want to provide a facelift to support that history but to also strive for the future.”

Painter explained they are starting with West Main Street to give a template for the rest of the town.

“It’ll be a streetscape aesthetic project of redoing the sidewalks, curb and gutter as well as putting in new biobeds, for greenery and trees and lighting,” Painter said.

Local businesses are optimistic about the changes too.

“It’d be great to have a kind of beautification and bring people into Main Street,” said Savannah Penven from the Fine Arts Center for the New River Valley.

“I think anybody likes a fresh make[over]” said Samantha Broussard, owner of Broussard’s General Store. “We cannot wait for the sidewalks to get done so we can put outside seating down. People are taking notice that something is happening in downtown Pulaski.”

Painter said contractors are expected to begin work in the coming days, with the project set to wrap up by June.


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About the Author
Thomas Mundy headshot

Thomas grew up right here in Roanoke and is a graduate of Salem High School and Virginia Tech.