The Town of Pulaski has made key investments in the following community facilities/resources in recent years:
- Pulaski Redevelopment and Renewal Plan
The Town contracted with architect David E. Gall to develop a plan for revitalization along a two block section of historic First Street in downtown Pulaski. The plan has proven to be a valuable guide for the Town in pursuing revitalization activities and interacting with private investors. Excerpts from the plan document are included in Appendix 1.
- First Street/Jackson Park
In the summer of 2015, improvements were made along the south side of First Street, between Jefferson Avenue and Washington Avenue, to accommodate a new sidewalk and a change from parallel to diagonal parking. This has increased the parking capacity for events at Jackson Park and has helped to make Jackson Park more accessible. The Town partners with local organizations and businesses to sponsor community celebrations, such as the Pulaski Jazz & Ribfest, the Sounds of Summer Concert Series and Pulaskifest at Jackson Park. Events at the Park bring people downtown and help build community.
- Iron Bridge
The Iron Bridge, located between First Street and Main Street east of Washington Avenue, once carried a railroad spur across Peak Creek. The rails were removed many years ago, but the bridge structure remains strong. The Friends of Peak Creek, a citizen group that emphasizes the importance of Peak Creek as an asset for Pulaski, raised funds for putting a new deck and handrails on the bridge for use as a pedestrian facility. Town Council made a significant contribution to funding for the project. Installation of the new deck and handrails was completed in the fall of 2015. Reuse of the Iron Bridge was highlighted in the Pulaski Redevelopment and Renewal Plan.
An important feature of recent revitalization efforts has been private investment in downtown. A development group, which also owns the Pulaski Yankees and Calfee Park, purchased the Dunnivant building on First Street and renovated the facility to create the Jackson Park Inn and Conference Center. During baseball season, the Inn houses Pulaski Yankees players and coaches. The Inn is open to the general public outside of baseball season. With its 26 rooms and 8 suites, restaurant and meeting/event space, the Inn provides an opportunity for downtown to serve as a destination for conferences and meetings, as well as provide accommodations for tourists and visitors.
Another development group, West Main Development, LLC, has purchased multiple buildings on West Main Street and is pursuing redevelopment of the properties. One of these buildings was formerly known as the Farmer Building, located at 85, 87 and 89 West Main Street.
The Town has partnered with the Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce to explore development of a downtown merchants association and a cooperative advocacy effort involving several local organizations such as Friends of Peak Creek, Greater Pulaski Alliance, and Beans and Rice. Such an organization will be important in attracting businesses to downtown revitalization activities. The organization can help provide a supportive networking climate for entrepreneurs and businesses.
Beans and Rice, Inc. offers a training program for entrepreneurs and small businesses in Pulaski, as well as access to a business loan program. In late 2015, Beans and Rice received word that it would receive funding through the Virginia Community Business Launch (CBL) Program. Beans and Rice will use the CBL funds to support a local business competition to find and foster entrepreneurs that help the community achieve its vision for the future.