Making Room for Warrenton to Thrive

Streetscape improvements along Main Street in Warrenton create a more inviting space for pedestrians, diners and downtown businesses. As part of the Town of Warrenton’s 10-year plan, the project refreshes a key stretch of the historic commercial district with expanded sidewalks, traffic-calming features, and infrastructure upgrades, while supporting a broader vision for a more vibrant downtown.

Before After The project adds sidewalk space and bump-outs at crosswalks to improve pedestrian safety and encourage drivers to slow down. Crews also replaced sidewalk bricks, upgraded streetlight electrical systems, improved drainage, and resurfaced the roadway.

Experience Old Town Warrenton (EOTW) (doing business as Love Old Town Warrenton) helped the Town gather business feedback and build support for the design. In April 2025, Board President Matt Carson met with businesses individually, presented the two design options, and collected written votes. The majority of Old Town business and commercial property owners supported the selected plan B, which traded five parking spaces for expanded outdoor dining opportunities. EOTW then wrote a letter in support of the project that went to Council and the local papers.

“Dedicating space for sitting, dining and drinking outside has a much higher overall value to towns than a few extra parking spaces,” said Matt Carson, EOTW Board President

The expanded sidewalks give restaurants more room to create attractive outdoor dining areas and retailers the opportunity to expand their businesses beyond their front doors. Additionally, EOTW and the Town are exploring other ways to utilize the increased sidewalk spaces through events and activities.

The Town received funding through the Virginia Department of Transportation’s Revenue Sharing Program totaling over $725,000 and contributed nearly $1.2 million in local funds to complete the work. Rising construction costs forced the project team to scale back an earlier, more extensive vision and focus available resources on essential improvements.

After months of construction and disruptions for downtown businesses, Warrenton celebrated Main Street’s reopening on Friday, Sept. 25, with a ribbon-cutting and grand reopening party. The Town and EOTW welcomed the community for live music, games, activities, and a raffle featuring gift cards from local businesses.

The improvements give Warrenton a stronger foundation for a walkable, welcoming downtown where businesses can thrive, and people want to stay awhile.

Photo credit: Kira Topeka

Making Room for Warrenton to Thrive

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