On Friday, March 20, Old Town Development Board (OTDB) and City of Winchester were presented with a Virginia Main Street Milestone Achievement Award for $80 million in private investment and 25,000 volunteer hours contributed toward downtown revitalization. The Virginia Main Street (VMS) Milestone Achievement Awards celebrate achievements in volunteerism and private investments in Virginia’s designated VMS localities.
“Winchester is being recognized for setting another benchmark; one that only a few years ago may have seemed, to many, out of reach,” said Bill Shelton, Director of the Department of Housing and Community Development. “Winchester had several landmark projects completed in 2008, including the newly constructed First Presbyterian Fellowship Hall, the adaptive reuse of the historic Union Bank Building, now open as the Union Jack Pub and Restaurant, and the reopening of the 90-room George Washington Hotel, featuring a grand ballroom, meeting facilities and spa.” Mr. Shelton noted that it was extremely fitting that he was able to present the private investment award to Winchester Old Town Development Board member Kim Burke on behalf of the organization and the City of Winchester. “Kim and her husband Glen (who also attended the luncheon) own the George Washington Hotel and their efforts have contributed to this award for having reached $80 million in private investment in Old Town since 1985.”