New Day on North Main
Revitalizing Danville’s North Main Historic District
Beyond Riverside Drive and the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Bridge lays the North Main Historic District, a place where historic homes, churches, and small businesses line the streets. When you picture this neighborhood, what comes to mind? The aroma of delicious Thai cuisine from Moon River, the sound of concert performances at the Historic North Theatre, trendy wardrobe purchases at LOV3 Clothing, or children laughing at nearby playgrounds?
As we honor Black History Month, let us take a closer look at the legacy of this historically African American district and the revitalization efforts shaping its future, bringing new energy to North Main.
From Neapolis to North Danville
The story of North Main begins in 1877, when North Danville was founded as a separate town across the river from the Danville we know today. By the 1890s, it was known as Neapolis, an independently functioning locality that was eventually incorporated by Danville in 1896. The area flourished during the height of the tobacco, textile, and railroad industries, but like much of the city, faced economic hardship when those industries declined.
Despite these challenges, the district remained a cornerstone of African American life in Danville. In 2004, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, recognized for its more than 400 historic buildings dating from 1880 to 1955. These structures showcase architectural styles ranging from Folk Victorian to Tudor Revival, each telling a story and shaping the district’s unique identity.
Voices & Visions
Today, the North Main Historic District is experiencing a revival driven by community vision, collaboration, and the River District Association (RDA), a nonprofit focused on downtown development.
In 2023, Lashawn Farmer joined RDA as Director of Design and Expansion and launched the True North Speaker Series, a platform for candid conversations with notable women in the Dan River Region. Speakers have included Kitt Mayo, Board Chair of The Health Collaborative; Karice Luck Brimmer of Our History Matters, Chief Irving of the Danville Fire Department, and Natalie Hodge of Rudy’s Girl Media. These dialogues have sparked inspiration and highlighted the economic impact of local leadership.
In 2024, RDA formed the North Main Visionaries, a council of 20 community members tasked with reimagining the district’s future. Their work centers on cultural preservation and economic opportunity.
“It has been one of the greatest honors of my life to be part of the revitalization of the North Main Historic District,” said Farmer. “As a Black woman, to stand in this work that is guided by legacy, resilience, and purpose, means more than words can express. To serve alongside a team so committed to this community, whether they live here, work here, worship here, or simply believe in what this neighborhood can become, has been one of the most meaningful gifts I could ever receive. Collaboration isn’t just a word in this mission, it is our foundation, our heartbeat, and the driving force that continues to move North Main forward.”
Currently, the North Main Visionaries are working to breathe new life into the district, including beautification efforts like pollinator gardens, planters, and even a mural painted along the main corridor, led by artist Billie Jones and unveiled in November 2025.
Jones reflects, “The thing that inspired me to create the design was, of course, the dogwoods, crepe myrtle, and the cardinals. They’re all symbols of Danville and North Main. Growing up here, I was lucky enough to be able to go to Sacred Heart and then GW. Danville is a beautiful place, and I’m glad to be able to add to my own family history. My father, W. W. Jones, owned the only Black library here, so I’m proud to be able to put my mark on Danville as well.”
The Next Chapter Begins
The Danville Office of Economic Development & Tourism plays a vital role in shaping the future of the North Main Historic District. Working hand-in-hand with the River District Association, the office helps lead revitalization efforts not only in the River District, Schoolfield District, and more recently, the Mechanicsville District, but also in North Main. Their collaboration supports projects that intertwine economic growth with historic preservation, ensuring that development reflects the voices and values of the people who call North Main home.
From generational homes and places of worship to locally owned retailers and restaurants, the North Main Historic District represents a key chapter in Danville’s story. This month, we invite you to explore its rich history, celebrate its legacy, and share your voice in shaping what comes next.