Thomasville’s Crown Jewel

The City of Thomasville’s Main Street program is 22 years old, one of the oldest such programs in the nation. The National Trust founded the Main Street program over two decades ago in an effort to rejuvenate small downtowns, which were floundering nationwide. “Economic development within the context of Historic Preservation” was the war cry of hundreds of small towns that joined the National Main Street Center’s efforts to revitalize their communities and cities.

Thomasville became a Certified Main Street City in 1982, and has had one of the nation’s most successful programs. In 1998, Thomasville was chosen by the National Main Street Center as a “Great American Main Street City,” one of only five to be so-named. In the past decade, downtown Thomasville has seen a remarkable transformation. Dozens upon dozens of buildings have been uncovered from the 1960s-style metal fronts to reveal the original Victorian-style architecture of the 1880s. The economic change that has occurred is equally as amazing as the physical transformation.

In the more recent past, Main Street has focused on creating livable spaces above the downtown stores. “Loft living” is in vogue, and we are right in step. Currently, there are several upper-floor residences on Broad Street, and plans are on the drawing board for more.

A Madison Street warehouse has become a mixed-use facility, housing a financial management company on the lower two floors and a 4,000-square foot condominium on the top floor. Every historic building that has been converted to residential living has its own unique characteristics and charm, making downtown living a desirable option for those who are looking for unique accommodations.

Shoppers within a 100-mile radius have discovered downtown Thomasville’s abundant retail. The car tag count reveals visitors from every county touching Thomas, and many come from farther distances.

Main Street’s special events have also drawn attention nationwide. The annual Victorian Christmas has been named a “Top Twenty Event in the Southeastern United States” for the past 12 years. The Rose Show and Festival, held on the fourth weekend in April, also draws visitors into the downtown area.

Main Street’s active Downtown Development Authority is a model for the state, as it acquires white elephant buildings and transforms them into viable, job producing enterprises.

Preserving & Restoring

Thomasville Landmarks
Thomasville Landmarks is dedicated to protecting, preserving and promoting the heritage and architecture of the Thomas County area. Incorporated in 1966, Landmarks has a long history of accomplishing this mission throughout the community.

Landmarks has worked to save historic treasures – such as the brick paving on Broad Street, the Big Oak and the Lapham-Patterson House. Through Landmarks’ efforts, Thomasville became one of the first Main Street Programs in the nation. Using its Revolving Fund, Landmarks has saved 20 houses in Thomasville. This includes the four houses on Hansell Street in the historic district known as Tockwotton.

Warren Avenue Restoration is successfully reclaiming another historic neighborhood. The primary goal for this project is to increase owner-occupied homes. Restoring these houses to single-family dwellings will triple the number of owner-occupied houses.

Landmarks surveyed Thomas County’s historic resources, and nominated nine districts in Thomasville to the National Register of Historic Places. Thomasville Landmarks also works with other local communities.