HDR was created to reactivate the downtown historic district as the economic and social hub of Harrisonburg. Since our inception in 2003, the community has volunteered over 100,000 hours to support HDR’s events, downtown promotions, and beautification projects that attracted businesses, developers and commerce back into the once-neglected streets and buildings. Over $105 million in private and public dollars have been reinvested; downtown housing grew from 150 to 600 units; the number of eateries has expanded from 12 to 36 restaurants plus 5 breweries; and the region enjoys our welcoming year-round events. When HDR started, people may have come here with one stop in mind. Now the entire downtown is their destination! Our downtown earned national recognition as a Great American Main Street Award winner and the National Main Street Center recognized HDR as a leader in revitalization.
