Downtown Foley is gaining momentum with interest, investment and improvements steadily reshaping the city's historic center.

At the annual Foley Main Street meeting, officials announced that combined public and private investment surged nearly 29% in the last year, rising from $12.85 million in 2023 to $16.55 million in 2024.
Mayor Ralph Hellmich praised the group for its role in revitalizing downtown.

"You worked at this every day, and it's something we needed," Hellmich told Main Street members. "It was a missing component that we didn't have. So, I want to give you a round of applause, because you all are doing a great job."

The mayor detailed a series of city-led improvements, including the extension of East Jessamine Avenue near Heritage Park and a new brick gateway marking the park's east entrance. New lighting has also been added in the area, with more planned soon. The city will install overhead café-style lighting across West Jessamine Avenue near Alabama 59.

"We're getting ready to do the lighting project," Hellmich said. "That's an overhead lighting project, which, when you come down 59 you'll see it. It'll be a great place where you can close the street off and have street parties and that sort of function." According to Hellmich, the city plans to add ambient lighting in trees downtown to lighten up dark spaces as well.

Foley also is focusing on South Chicago Street between US 98 and the site of the new Foley Public Library.
"We're going to beautify that like we did Jessamine," Hellmich said. "We're going to make it into a beautiful corridor that goes to the library, which is also beautifying downtown, aligning with the goals of Foley Main Street. We're going to continue to do these capital improvement projects all around town."

Parking improvements have kept pace. The city added roughly 27 spaces with the extension of Jessamine Avenue and purchased a lot near the southwest corner of Alabama 59 and US 98 for additional public parking. The new library site will also add spaces. A recent survey revealed roughly 2,700 free spaces across downtown.

"We have 2,700 free parking spaces here in downtown," Hellmich said. "Now they may not be right in front of your business. Somebody might be parking there, but we have plenty of parking downtown, and we will continue to work on that."

Hellmich emphasized that the city will continue to invest in downtown, calling it the "heart and soul" of Foley. He credited Main Street with making connections that benefit both new and existing businesses.

"Foley Main Street is interacting with businesses to help them be better than what they are," he said. "We count Main Street as an important partner here in downtown."

The Main Street group has also focused on nurturing businesses already established downtown. This summer, it will host two workshops — one to help businesses boost their online presence on platforms like Google and Bing Maps, and another to build soft skills for managers and staff.

Foley Main Street Executive Director Darrelyn Dunmore said the group is also marking one year of its popular Third Thursday events. What began as a grassroots effort with six businesses has now expanded to 23 participants.

"We told the businesses that if you can get a group together, start it and show us you can keep it going for six months, then we will go ahead and help market it and support it," she said.

Foley Main Street also worked with the city to launch the Downtown Arts and Entertainment District. Under its guidelines, patrons can carry drinks in special district cups beyond participating restaurants and bars. Created to draw more activity to the area and foster culture and community connections, the district was approved for a one-year trial period. According to Hellmich, it has caused no issues and will be renewed long term.

Elsewhere in downtown, the popular Cat Alley area has seen fresh improvements. Main Street added murals by local artists, expanded the walkway to Alston Street and introduced more tables, chairs and planters. Main Street President Wes Abrams called the efforts a team endeavor.

"If it wasn't for the partnerships and support of the city, our sponsors, volunteers and members we would not have been able to reach the level of success we have had over the years," Abrams said. "We are looking forward to working with everyone in the future."

Foley Main Street operates as a nonprofit with a volunteer board dedicated to increasing the economic vibrancy of the area. Its primary focus is boosting awareness of downtown and strengthening new and existing businesses. For more information, visit www.foleymainstreet.com.