Downtown – Harrisonburg, Virginia
Harrisonburg is the home of James Madison University. Due to that fact there is a nice mix of businesses, many of which appeal to the students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
In 2015 I had an opportunity to get a tour from the outgoing Executive Director of the downtown organization.
Near sunset I caught a glimpse of the skyline and one of the wide open vistas.
Events of entrepreneurial activity abounded. A Buy Local campaign encouraged people to buy food produced in the Shenandoah Valley region. Likewise, an incubator called Rocktown Rockit was being started to support start-up businesses.
While the photo does not do it justice, the murals with a yellow pastel color made this a vibrant and memorable restaurant to visit.
On a return visit I enjoyed the landscaped public spaces with seating. This makes for an enjoyable place to visit, enjoy the shade, and sit down. Denton Park was dedicated to E. Warren Denton, Jr. for his service to the community. Foundations, private individuals, businesses, and the university all chipped in to make the park possible.
One other feature worthy of note is the plaza beside the Heritage Bakery & Cafe. Here is a fountain with water that flows from a spigot through the center of a stone. A sign nearby advises for adults to “please do not permit children to play in the fountain.” A fountain that is also functional and welcoming to children might be more appropriate for this space than one for aesthetic enjoyment alone.
Another area of the downtown had curvilinear seating, suitable for informal social gatherings or even for audience seating during small concerts or performances.
One of the most ambitious spaces was Brunk Fountain. As anyone with experience building and maintaining fountains will tell you, maintenance is often a timely and a costly proposition. This fountain was dedicated to the memory of Perry E. and Fern M. Brunk, long-time residents, who were remembered by many for their “kindness, generosity, humor, and hospitality.”
As proof that spaces like this don’t happen by accident, a plaque recognized members of the Harrisonburg Landscape Committee.