Revitalizing Thomasville—One Project at a Time
Thomasville’s DAC Designation
Thomasville is proud to be a designated Downtown Associate Community by the NC Main Street Center. The City of Thomasville has entrusted PACE, a nonprofit Downtown Development organization, to administer the Downtown Associate Program locally. Using the Main Street America™ model, PACE implements the Main Street Four-Point Approach® to downtown revitalization: Economic Vitality, Design, Promotion, and Organization. Through this comprehensive method, we are driving economic development strategies that achieve measurable results for our historic downtown.
OUR MISSION
To establish an atmosphere of cooperation between downtown merchants, property owners, city officials, and area residents; thereby, creating an environment suitable for economic and revitalization of the Thomasville Downtown area.
OUR HISTORY
In 1991, a group of passionate citizens came together with a shared vision: to rejuvenate downtown Thomasville. Although their initial efforts to partner with building owners to improve properties did not gain traction, they remained undeterred. With no formal structure, this group embarked on its first major project—removing overhead electrical cables that cluttered the streets and installing 86 ornamental street lamps. This $131,000 initiative was fully funded through private donations, marking a significant first step toward transforming downtown.
Thomasville Farmers Market
By 1996, PACE (People Achieving Community Enhancement) formalized its efforts by applying for nonprofit status and hiring an executive director, funded by local foundations for a three-year term. During this time, PACE brought in the Urban Design Assistance Team (UDAT), which collaborated with city officials and community stakeholders to develop a comprehensive analysis and vision for the future of downtown. UDAT’s report laid out actionable, innovative design solutions. When the funding for the executive director role ended, PACE continued its mission as a fully volunteer-driven organization.
PACE Courtyard
Using the UDAT report as a guide—but not a limitation—PACE has identified and pursued a range of impactful projects, some of which emerged from the creativity and initiative of individual members, such as the Farmers Market building.
Collaboration and Community Impact
Collaboration has always been a cornerstone of PACE’s success. From the outset, the City of Thomasville has been a supportive partner. At PACE’s very first meeting, the mayor and city manager were included, setting the tone for a long-standing, productive relationship. Over a decade, PACE acquired land, managed key projects like the Farmers Market, PACE Park Amphitheater, and streetscape improvements—all made possible by leveraging in-kind services from the city, including infrastructure support and permitting.
Once these projects were completed, PACE deeded the park to the city, which now manages it through the Parks and Recreation department. The program director of Parks and Recreation also serves on PACE’s board, ensuring ongoing collaboration.
Painted Piano Project
The strong partnership between PACE, the City, and other stakeholders has been widely recognized. A contractor for the Farmers Market building noted it was one of the smoothest projects he had ever worked on, thanks to the cooperative spirit between PACE and the city.
Our Partners and Supporters
In addition to working closely with the City of Thomasville, PACE collaborates with various local organizations, including the City Beautification Committee, Thomasville Tourism, and the Thomasville Historic Preservation Committee. PACE provided funding to support the Historic Preservation Committee’s efforts to establish a historic district in downtown, further cementing its role in preserving the city’s heritage.
What began as in-kind support from the city has evolved into formal financial backing. The City of Thomasville now allocates $30,000 annually to PACE—$25,000 for general operations and $5,000 for the façade grant program—allowing PACE to continue making a positive impact on the community.