HARRISONBURG, VA (Rocktown Now) — Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance (HDR) held its annual Celebration Reception on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, to mark milestones in the on-going revitalization of Downtown Harrisonburg as well as to recognize some of the individuals, organizations, and businesses who played a significant role in the improvements made in the past year.

According to a release, from 2004 to 2024, there has been $150.3 million in cumulative private investment, $26 million in cumulative public investment, and 122,793 cumulative volunteer hours (which has a value of $4.1 million).

The district continues to see a net gain of new businesses every year with 18 businesses openings, two relocations and five closures in 2025. All but one of the commercial spaces where there was a closure has already been filled.

“Impressive reinvestment statistics and the year-after-year net gain of new businesses show that downtown Harrisonburg doesn’t just feel like it is getting better each year, they prove that our community is growing stronger each year,” says Andrea L. Dono, executive director of Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance. “We are excited to celebrate our milestones and successes from the last year while also lifting up the many community members and downtown stakeholders who contribute to building this amazing downtown that we all love.”

View the list of award winners below:

  • 2025 Best New Business: Harrisonburg Innovation Hub
  • 2025 Destination of the Year: Harrisonburg Farmers Market
  • 2025 Volunteer of the Year: Bill Howard
  • 2025 Downtown Champion: Becky Bartells and Opal
  • 2025 Supporter of the Year: Dirt Dog Carpet, Surface, and Duct Cleaning
  • 2025 Board Member of the Year: Mel Nguyen
  • 2025 Partner of the Year: Urban Wood Team
  • 2025 Community Builder of the Year: Community Connectors Team
  • 2025 Rehabilitation of the Year: Matchbox Realty
  • 2025 Scenemaker of the Year: Massanutten Regional Library