Main Street communities recognized for revitalization
Gulfport, Miss. - Multiple projects from designated Main Street communities that are supported by Mississippi Power’s Economic Development department and the Mississippi Power Foundation were recently recognized for their outstanding success at the Mississippi Main Street Association annual awards luncheon.
Downtown Hattiesburg Association and Biloxi, Pascagoula and Picayune Main Street were among the 22 award recipients celebrated for downtown revitalization success.
“The recognition of multiple projects at the Mississippi Main Street Association annual awards highlights the transformative impact of our collaborative efforts,” said Mississippi Power Senior Commercial Development Representative Tomeka Durr-Wiley. “We are proud to support initiatives that drive economic growth and revitalization in the communities we serve.”
Downtown Hattiesburg Association received the Outstanding Main Street Plan award for its strategic Downtown Roadmap Vision Plan, which combines rapid community assessment with actionable deliverables to enhance economic and physical revitalization.
Durr-Wiley and Mississippi Power Staff Market Specialist Tonia Ware both worked on sub-committees that focused on driving success for specific components of the overall strategic plan.
Pascagoula Main Street received the Outstanding Historic Rehabilitation Project award, which is granted to an individual, business or municipality that has completed a historic rehabilitation project in the downtown district that continues the use of the building and meets the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation, for City Centre Pascagoula.
Originally built as Pass-Point Bank and later Hancock Bank, the historic building was transformed by Shannon Strunk and Cynthia Baber-Strunk. Economic Development contributed to the success of this project by providing a consultant specializing in securing historical tax credits to redevelop the property. The Strunks also received financial assistance for the project through Mississippi Power’s Commercial Development Program and received multiple Energy Efficiency rebates.
Picayune Main Street was awarded the Outstanding Downtown Revitalization Project – Mid-Sized Community award. Originally built in 1907 as City Drug, City Rexall and AT&T switchboard operators are now home to The Depot on Canal and The Depot Suites. The revitalization of this area has produced more than $60,000 in sales tax and added 16 jobs in the city.
The Mississippi Power Foundation was a crucial partner in supporting Picayune Main Street and downtown revitalization projects by helping fund its facade grant program, which is designed to help property and business owners improve the exterior appearance of their buildings, enhancing community development.
Biloxi Main Street received two awards, Outstanding Placemaking Project and Outstanding Community Engagement Effort, for its HowHop Creative and Entertainment District.
When the Interstate 110 overpass was built across Biloxi, it figuratively cut the historic downtown area in half. However, the creation of the HowHop Creative and Entertainment District reinvents the mile-long space as a center for creative art, playgrounds, concert venues, farmers’ markets, pickleball courts and a disc golf course.
Additionally, the Gulf Coast Skateboarding Association addressed the need for public skateparks and highlighted skateboarding’s positive impact in downtown Biloxi. In 2024, GCSA engaged over 1,000 skaters across 67 events, drawing participants and families statewide.
Their community-focused efforts led to the completion of the Biloxi DIY Skatepark at HowHop — a $7,000 project featuring 14 custom-designed elements, funded and built through grassroots support and volunteer labor.
The Mississippi Power Foundation contributed to this project by matching funds toward the Mississippi Main Street Revitalization Grant, which provides funds through the Mississippi Development Authority for downtown revitalization projects in Mississippi's local Main Street communities.
In addition to the awards listed above, these four communities were also recognized as 2025 Nationally Accredited Main Street programs.
Now in its 100th year of service, Mississippi Power, a subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), produces safe, reliable and affordable energy for more than 192,000 customers in 23 southeast Mississippi counties. Mississippi Power is proud to be an industry leader in safety and reliability. The company was recognized in 2024 by the Southeastern Electric Exchange for the Top Safety Performance in its generation category. For outstanding storm response, the company has also been honored by the Edison Electric Institute multiple times with an Emergency Response Award. Visit our website at mississippipower.com, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
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