FOLEY – Downtown Foley improvement efforts have earned statewide recognition, with Foley Main Street receiving multiple awards at the recent Main Street Alabama Conference.

The organization, which leads downtown revitalization and preservation, received the Award of Excellence in Placemaking and Wayfinding, the Excellence in Historic Rehabilitation Award, and the Alabama Main Street Reinvestment Award.

Foley Main Street Executive Director Darrelyn Dunmore said the honors reflect strong community and city support. The awards were shared with the Foley City Council and municipal leaders during the Sept. 2 council meeting.

“We would like to present this award to the city of Foley, on behalf of the teamwork that we have all done and what they have done to help make this work,” Dunmore said.

Mayor Ralph Hellmich praised Main Street’s efforts, noting that revitalization has attracted new businesses and renewed energy downtown.
“I just want to say that our Main Street board and Darrelyn work really, really hard every day,” Hellmich said. “We’ve had around 20 to 24 businesses relocate downtown over the past few years. Now, the biggest challenge is that there are no empty buildings left to fill.”

Placemaking and Wayfinding Award

This award recognized the development of new signs that help define and enhance the downtown district. The project began in 2020 with city funding and included years of design revisions, location planning, and review by groups such as the Foley Historical Commission, the Beautification and Revitalization Committee, and the city’s Marketing Department.

The completed signs include QR codes linking to updated information about downtown businesses and attractions, helping residents and visitors navigate the area while reinforcing Foley’s historic identity.

Historic Rehabilitation Award

Foley also received recognition for the restoration of the 1925 Foley Bakery Building. The city initially stabilized the building after a 2007 fire, replacing the roof and later selling the property to Mark Wright and Jeremy Friedman, who fully renovated the site. The restored structure, now a landmark, has housed a restaurant and is expected to welcome a new business soon.

“This building is not just a beautifully restored landmark—it’s a catalyst for economic activity and community pride,” said Wes Abrams, Foley Main Street chairman. “Projects like this show how historic preservation supports both culture and commerce.”

Reinvestment Award

Since Foley Main Street was established in 2018, private investors have contributed nearly $16.44 million toward downtown improvements. In the same period, the City of Foley has invested more than $7.41 million.

“This means that for every dollar the city invested in downtown, businesses invested two,” Abrams said.

Main Street Hero Award

At the council meeting, Foley Main Street also recognized Deborah Mixon as the organization’s 2025 Main Street Hero. In addition to serving on the Main Street Board of Directors, Mixon volunteers with the Foley Planning Commission and the Beautification and Revitalization Committee.

Dunmore said Mixon is always ready to help, whether in planning meetings or hands-on community projects.
“Every time I need her, she’s there,” Dunmore said. “From laying sod at the butterfly mural to unwrapping tables in freezing weather, to decorating for the holidays or setting up Hometown Halloween, Deborah shows up. She’s truly dedicated to making downtown Foley the best it can be.”