Downtown Boone Development Association Mission Statement
The Downtown Boone Development Assocation’s mission in part is to promote the historic preservation, protection and use of Boone’s traditional downtown area, including the area’s commercial, civic and religious enterprises and residences. To encourage property owners to maintain, improve and beautify downtown properties.
Downtown Boone Development Association Vision Statement
Downtown Boone serves as the concierge to an elevated experience for both locals and visitors. Home to the largest University in western North Carolina, Appalachian State University, tucked against the backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains, downtown is the first-place destination for Boone residents after home and work and the beginning point for all adventure.
What/Who exactly is the Downtown Boone Development Association?
The Downtown Boone Development Association (DBDA) came into being in 1993 with a clear goal: to breathe new life into the heart of Boone’s business district. It was born from the merger of two entities: the Municipal Service District (MSD) Board, which was established back in 1987, and the Downtown Boone Merchants Association, with roots tracing back to 1981.
Now, what exactly is the Municipal Service District (MSD)? It’s essentially a financial mechanism designed to provide support for various town services, downtown promotions, and community events. Established by the legislature in 1973, the MSD is a vital tool for economic development. Boone’s MSD came into being in 1988, responding to the requests of downtown businesses. If you’re curious about the boundaries of the MSD, you can find a map on the following page.
In 1993, the DBDA took another significant step by joining the NC Main Street Program. This program is a boon for downtown areas across the state, offering tailored economic development plans and technical assistance to numerous communities. It’s a robust resource, offering training sessions and an annual conference—the largest of its kind in the country. Through the NC Main Street Program, communities gain expertise in revitalizing downtown areas, fostering small businesses, and preserving historic buildings. The DBDA collaborates with NC Main Street annually to chart out strategic plans and
execute them through a yearly work plan.
Membership in the DBDA is inclusive, encompassing all property owners and businesses leasing within the MSD. With roughly 300 members, the DBDA operates under the guidance of a 12-member board. Six of these members are appointed by the Boone Town Council, while the other six are appointed internally. The board convenes monthly on the last Tuesday of each month at 8:30 am to steer the association’s efforts.
Downtown Boone Historic District
Downtown Boone Local Historic District
The Downtown Boone Historic District is a key feature of the town, preserving its rich architectural and cultural heritage while fostering a thriving community and commercial hub. The district is home to a variety of buildings that date back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, reflecting styles like Classical Revival, Colonial Revival, and Art Deco. These structures capture the town’s history as an important mountain town, shaped by its proximity to the railroad and Appalachian State University. By preserving these historic buildings, Downtown Boone maintains its unique charm while balancing the needs of a modern, bustling community.
Documenting the Town’s historic properties and resources in Downtown Boone began in the 1980s, as some Downtown sites are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including the Jones House and the Downtown Boone Post Office. The Boone Town Council took significant steps to further historic preservation efforts by establishing the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) on March 15, 2007, which adopted the HPC’s initial Rules of Procedure on April 15, 2010. As the HPC has evolved, the Rules of Procedure reflect changes as recently as 2024. In 2015, the Town expressed interest in further survey documentation, leading to approved revisions to these rules and implemented interim design standards applicable to all historically designated properties. This ongoing focus on maintenance and restoration has supported economic development while preserving the district’s historic character, significantly contributing to Boone’s role as a cultural and commercial center in the High Country. The continued efforts to document historic properties eventually led to a recommendation for a local historic district designation in 2020. Following the adoption of historic district standards that year, the current Downtown Boone Local Historic District Design Standards and Handbook guide the alteration, restoration, movement, or demolition of properties designated as landmarks or those within historic districts. Under North Carolina General Statutes and the Town’s Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), the HPC ensures that changes to historic properties are carried out in a manner that respects their historical significance.
To assist property owners in preserving the Town’s historic character, the HPC offers advisory services for renovations or modifications to this historic area. The HPC evaluates significant changes, including facade renovations or, even in some instances, demolition, to ensure compliance with established district standards. The HPC is responsible for decisions on any major work case in the local historic district. For more information on projects that require a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) in the historic district, please visit the Town of Boone’s website or contact Planning and Inspections Department. The current historic district design standards, recommended by the HPC and adopted by the Town Council, aim to maintain Boone’s historic integrity, ensuring that current and future generations appreciate its unique heritage. This initiative reflects the Town’s commitment to balance development with the preservation of its architectural and cultural history.
The Downtown Boone Development Association’s board is delighted to once again offer the Facade Incentive Grant program to members of the DBDA for 2023-2024.
If you are a property or business owner and considering rehabilitating your storefront then this is a great opportunity for you. Even doing the smallest touch ups or renovations can improve your business’ appearance and even generate more sales. A welcoming storefront encourages visitors and shoppers!
Perhaps the front of your business needs a paint job, new awning, or you are interesting in restoring the front of your building to its original design. The North Carolina Main Street program offers FREE design assistance to business and property owners. Simply fill out this form and return it to the Downtown Development Coordinator for the Town of Boone. They will then submit your request and within a couple of months you will receive a free design rendering of your storefront. Using the North Carolina Main St. free design assistance greatly improves your chances of having your FIG application approved.
The Facade Incentive Grant is a 50% reimbursement match of up to $5000. It is available for all business and property owners in the MSD district of Downtown Boone.
Download the Facade Incentive Grant Application (PDF). Please contact Lane Moody, Downtown Development Coordinator, at lane.moody@townofboone.net or 828.268.6283 for more information.
To view all past and present DBDA meeting agendas and minutes, click on the DBDA Agendas and Minutes link. Then, follow these instructions:
Go to the left side of the webpage and click the drop-down menu entitled “All Meeting Groups”
Once there, click on “DBDA”
You did it! All agendas and minutes have been posted here!
If you need further assistance, contact Laney Pilkington, Communications Specialist, at laney.pilkington@townofboone.net.
