FOLEY – Investment and interest in downtown Foley continue to grow as the city and community partners work together to enhance the area’s appeal, vibrancy and economic development.
Foley Main Street, the city’s downtown revitalization organization, held its annual meeting recently, highlighting significant progress over the past year. Public and private investment in the downtown district rose nearly 29%, increasing from $12.85 million in 2023 to $16.55 million in 2024.
Mayor Ralph Hellmich praised the work of Foley Main Street in boosting energy and business activity in the heart of the city.
“You’ve worked at this every day, and it’s something we needed,” Hellmich told members. “It was a missing component. You’re doing a great job, and the results show.”
The city has completed several downtown improvement projects in the past year, including the extension of East Jessamine Avenue near Heritage Park and the construction of a brick gateway marking the park’s eastern entrance. Lighting upgrades at Heritage Park have also been completed.
Additional enhancements are planned. The city will soon begin installing café-style string lighting over West Jessamine Avenue near Alabama 59, creating a festive atmosphere ideal for events and street gatherings. Plans also include ambient tree lighting to brighten dark areas throughout the downtown corridor.
Foley is developing a beautification plan for South Chicago Street, between U.S. 98 and the future site of the new Foley Public Library. “We’re going to make it a beautiful corridor leading to the library,” Hellmich said. “That project aligns perfectly with the goals of Foley Main Street.”
Parking improvements have also been a priority. The Jessamine Avenue extension added 27 new public spaces, and the city recently acquired a lot near the southwest corner of Alabama 59 and U.S. 98 to increase available parking. The new library project will include additional spaces as well. A citywide survey determined there are currently 2,700 free parking spaces available in the downtown area.
“They might not all be directly in front of your business, but they are there,” Hellmich said. “And we’ll continue to improve access.”
Mayor Hellmich emphasized that Downtown Foley remains a top priority for city leadership. “The mayor and council are committed to investing in downtown,” he said. “It’s the heart and soul of our city.”
Foley Main Street plays a central role in encouraging private investment and supporting local businesses. One of its key focuses is economic development — matching new businesses with available spaces and helping existing businesses grow stronger. This summer, the organization is hosting two workshops for downtown merchants: one focused on improving online visibility through platforms like Google and Bing Maps, and another aimed at strengthening soft skills for employees and managers.
Darrelyn Dunmore, executive director of Foley Main Street, highlighted the success of the group’s Third Thursday events, which recently celebrated their one-year anniversary. What started as a grassroots effort with six participating businesses has grown to include 23 downtown merchants.
“We told businesses that if you get a group together and keep it going for six months, we’ll help promote and support it,” Dunmore said.
Another major milestone was the creation of Foley’s Downtown Arts and Entertainment District, developed with guidance from Foley Main Street. The district allows patrons from participating restaurants and bars to enjoy beverages in marked cups as they explore the area, encouraging greater foot traffic and engagement. Approved on a one-year trial basis, the district has seen no reported issues, and the city plans to extend it.
Cat Alley, the downtown walkway adorned with murals by local artists, has also seen recent upgrades. Main Street expanded the path to Alston Street and added new tables, chairs and planters to create more inviting spaces for visitors.
Foley Main Street President Wes Abrams credited the organization’s success to community partnerships.
“Without the support of the city, our sponsors, volunteers and members, we wouldn’t be where we are today,” Abrams said. “We’re excited for what’s ahead.”
Foley Main Street is a nonprofit organization led by a dedicated board of directors. The group works to enhance Downtown Foley’s economic vitality and visibility while supporting both new and existing businesses.
For more information, visit www.foleymainstreet.com.