Holly Springs Receives 2024 Marvin Collins Award for Downtown Revitalization Plan
Holly Springs’ holistic and inclusive approach to planning has established it as a model for small-town development across North Carolina
Holly Springs, NC, Nov. 21, 2024— The Town has earned the 2024 Marvin Collins Award for Excellence in Planning, recognizing its Downtown Area Plan (DAP). This comprehensive framework reimagines Holly Springs' growth while honoring its historic and community-driven roots.
The Downtown Area Plan responds to Holly Springs' rapid population growth, from just over 1,000 residents three decades ago to a projected 80,000 by 2040. The plan targets five core goals: creating an authentic, vibrant downtown, improving connectivity, preserving historic integrity, promoting sustainability, and establishing a thriving mixed-use district. Key projects such as transforming Avent Ferry Road into a "Festival Street," creating Mims Park as a natural destination, and enhanced greenway connections exemplify the town's vision of balancing growth with quality of life.
1. Mims Park: A proposed signature destination offering recreation and cultural events while preserving natural beauty.
2. Festival Street: Redesigning portions of Avent Ferry Road to prioritize pedestrians, making it a hub for festivals and community gatherings.
3. Public Market: Establish a permanent home for the popular farmers' market and integrate space for entrepreneurship and community events.
4. Greenway Connectivity: Expanding multi-modal pathways to link neighborhoods, parks, and the downtown core.
5. Curated Downtown Spaces: Enforcing cohesive architectural and tenant standards to maintain the town's small-town charm.
The DAP highlights sustainability through stormwater management systems and the incorporation of affordable housing into mixed-use developments. Additionally, efforts to preserve sites like the historic Pack House aim to celebrate Holly Springs’ diverse cultural heritage.
Holly Springs’ holistic and inclusive planning has established it as a model for small-town development across North Carolina. The Marvin Collins Award, presented by the American Planning Association-North Carolina Chapter, recognizes this dedication to creating a future-ready and community-focused downtown.
The award will be officially presented at the APA-NC Annual Conference in December, celebrating Holly Springs’ innovative approach to urban planning.