City of Foley Honored with State Awards for Downtown Revitalization
City leaders say teamwork has fueled downtown’s resurgence
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Foley’s push to strengthen its historic downtown has brought home several statewide honors. City leaders and Main Street advocates were recently recognized for projects that focus on preservation, business growth and creating a stronger sense of place. Officials say the awards highlight years of teamwork between city government, local businesses and volunteers. The recognition also points to a broader shift, as downtown Foley attracts both new investment and community pride.
The awards were presented at the Main Street Alabama state conference earlier this year and later shared at the Foley City Council meeting on September 2. Foley received three major honors: the Award of Excellence in Placemaking and Wayfinding, the Excellence in Historic Rehabilitation Award, and the Alabama Main Street Reinvestment Award. Each reflects a different aspect of the city’s recent downtown projects, ranging from sign installations to historic building restoration.
Mayor Ralph Hellmich credited Foley Main Street’s board and executive director Darrelyn Dunmore with helping revitalize the area. He noted that about two dozen businesses have relocated downtown recently, creating a problem that many cities wish they had—few vacant buildings left. Dunmore emphasized the awards were the result of collaboration, presenting them to the city in recognition of shared effort.
The placemaking award centered on new information signs designed to guide visitors through downtown. Work began in 2020 after the city provided funding, and the project took several years of planning, review and design adjustments. The signs include QR codes that link to updated details about local businesses and attractions, offering flexibility as the downtown mix evolves.
The historic rehabilitation award recognized restoration of the 1925 Foley Bakery Building, a downtown landmark damaged by fire in 2007. After the city stabilized the property, private owners Mark Wright and Jeremy Friedman invested in renovations and later leased the space to a restaurant. While that tenant closed in 2024 due to legal issues elsewhere, Wright said other businesses are interested in moving in, and an announcement is expected soon.
The reinvestment award highlighted the financial commitment behind downtown’s renewal. Since Foley Main Street was formed in 2018, private businesses have contributed nearly $16.44 million to revitalization efforts, while the city itself has invested more than $7.41 million. Foley Main Street Chairman Wes Abrams said the ratio speaks volumes—local businesses have put in two dollars for every one the city has spent.
Another recognition, the Main Street Hero Award, went to board member and longtime volunteer Deborah Mixon. Dunmore said Mixon has consistently stepped up, whether serving on city boards or handling hands-on tasks like landscaping, setting up seasonal decorations, and helping with community events such as Hometown Halloween. She described Mixon as someone who “rolls up her sleeves” to keep the town looking its best.
Foley’s honors underscore the momentum behind its downtown revitalization push. The combination of public investment, private initiative and volunteer commitment appears to be laying a foundation for continued growth.
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