Centreville Main Street Host Bibb County Chamber Coffee for November
Sheila Duncan
Reporter
The Bibb County Chamber of Commerce held its Chamber Coffee event on Thursday, November 7th, at The Rock Building in Centreville. The November meeting was sponsored by Centreville Main Street and focused on discussing Market Study and Strategies. Over 60 business owners, local leaders and interested community members were in attendance.
The leadership team for the Market Study and Strategies includes Katie Cheslock, Jeff McGee, Ashton Cottingham, Lynn Hamric, Seth Young, and Billy Thompson. Their efforts aim to enhance the Uptown district, making it an attractive place to work, visit, live, do business, and invest.
Jay Schlinsog, from Downtown Professionals Network and Main Street, presented valuable insights on local and regional demographics, lifestyle trends, and retail data. His presentation provided a foundation for evaluating market conditions, identifying potential opportunities, and developing strategies for improving Main Street Centreville. The information also serves as a tool for benchmarking changes in the market and assessing their implications for the future of Uptown Centreville. This event highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen the community and foster growth in the Uptown area.
Revitalization and community development have been central topics of discussion in Centreville. In recent years, particular attention has been directed toward the Historic District, commonly referred to as Uptown or the Court Square.
Centreville Main Street recently conducted a community survey to gather input on ways to enhance Uptown Centreville. The results reveal that 54% of respondents feel recent trends in the area are “improving or making progress,” while 35.5% believe the district is “steady or holding its own.” Only 10.6% indicated the area is “declining or losing ground.”
In terms of communication and marketing, the survey found that 89% of participants rely on social media platforms such as Facebook (the most popular), Instagram, and others for news and updates about Centreville. Additional sources include local newspapers (both print and online), local TV stations, and community or government websites.
These insights highlight the community’s desire for growth and their engagement with efforts to revitalize Uptown Centreville, making it a vibrant and thriving area for residents and visitors alike. Both revitalization and community development are key topics of conversation with all who reside here, but recent years the focus on Historic District known as uptown or Court Square, has been most popular.
Centreville is home to incredible outdoor recreation opportunities, including the scenic and biodiverse Cahaba River and the Okmulgee Division of the Talladega National Forest. Residents and visitors can enjoy activities such as golfing, hunting, fishing, canoeing, and swimming. These natural assets remain a largely untapped resource for the area.
But when it comes to enhancing the appeal of Uptown Centreville, a recent community survey revealed key priorities. At the top of the list is the desire for more dining and drinking options, followed by retail establishments, family-friendly activities and events, improved river and recreational amenities, and a better walking environment with upgraded sidewalks and lighting.
Survey respondents highlighted their appreciation for Uptown Centreville’s historic charm and character, as well as the overall atmosphere. Key redevelopment priorities include revitalizing vacant and underutilized buildings, attracting new retail and dining establishments, and hosting more engaging events.
The survey also pointed to potential business opportunities. Nearly 48% of participants expressed a strong interest in consistently frequenting a family-style restaurant, making it a top choice for new ventures. Other desired businesses include bakeries, family clothing stores, meat markets, arts and crafts shops, and specialty grocery stores or delis with wine offerings. Additionally, there was notable interest in housing options located in or near Uptown Centreville. These insights offer valuable guidance for future growth and investment in the district, positioning Uptown Centreville as a vibrant and welcoming destination for residents and visitors alike.
Centreville’s historic district is home to 26 notable structures, with the courthouse serving as its centerpiece. Among these architectural treasures is the historic Bibb County Banking and Trust building, built in 1859. Renowned for its late Victorian design, it is considered one of the most beautiful buildings in the area.
As a proud Main Street Alabama community, Centreville is dedicated to revitalizing its historic downtown and surrounding neighborhoods. The organization focuses on bringing jobs, investment, and people back to the heart of the community, with economic development serving as the driving force behind its efforts. Through these initiatives, Centreville aims to preserve its rich history while fostering a vibrant and thriving future.
