From Funded to Flourishing: ARPA Project spotlights
Historic Downtown Picayune has never been more beautiful, more welcoming, or more ready for the future. In 2025, Picayune Main Street was entrusted with nearly $161,400 in American Rescue Plan Act funds—and we turned that investment into one of the most transformative years in our downtown's history.
Every dollar has been strategically deployed to create visible, lasting impact you can see on every street corner: restored building façades, vibrant public art, enhanced infrastructure, and amenities that make downtown a destination. Walk our streets, discover our murals, shop our businesses, dine in our restaurants—and see what responsible stewardship looks like. This is what happens when public resources meet proven leadership: an investment in community pride, economic vitality, and a downtown future we can all be proud of.
Strategic Investment, Measurable Results
Picayune Main Street's Economic Vitality Team carefully deployed ARPA funds to maximize community benefit, leveraging public investment to attract matching private dollars from downtown business owners. The result? A comprehensive revitalization effort that transformed our historic district from top to bottom—on time, on budget, and with transparency every step of the way.
These funds weren't just spent—they were strategically invested in projects that will serve our community for decades to come.
Buildings Restored, Heritage Honored
Historic buildings tell the story of Picayune's past—and now, they're shining brighter than ever. Six downtown properties received significant façade upgrades that preserve our architectural charm while supporting the active businesses that call downtown home.
Cottage on Curran, Two Sisters Creole Kitchen, DIY Cabinets, Granite & Lighting, Champion Bistreaux, and Glen Neal's project all received beautifully executed improvements that create a cohesive, inviting streetscape honoring our roots while welcoming the future.
Art & Beauty in Every Corner
We believe art and beauty belong in everyday spaces—and 2025 proved it. Downtown Picayune now celebrates our unique identity through vibrant public art and thoughtful beautification.
Three new murals tell our story: Grandpa Thigpen honors local history and heritage, NASA Beetles in Space celebrates Picayune's connection to science and space exploration, and Native Plants & Birds showcases our natural environment.
A stunning 3D painted crosswalk adds visual interest while improving pedestrian safety. Enhanced landscaping throughout the district brings color and life to every block, while professional power washing of sidewalks and awnings gave our streets a fresh, welcoming appearance.
Infrastructure That Works
Beauty matters—but so does function. Our 2025 improvements ensure downtown is safe, comfortable, and ready for community life year-round.
Ornate street lighting creates ambiance and improves safety after dark. Illuminated façades highlight our architectural heritage at night. New directional signage helps visitors navigate and discover downtown, while new benches and trash receptacles make public spaces comfortable and clean. Event equipment including tents, sound systems, and tables ensure we're ready for festivals, concerts, and gatherings all year long.
Every improvement serves a purpose: making downtown a place where people want to spend time.
Accountability Meets Vision
These projects are made possible by ARPA funds provided by the Mississippi Main Street Association through the Mississippi Legislature. Picayune Main Street is deeply grateful to Pearl River County's legislative delegation for their support of downtown revitalization: Senator Angela Hill, District 40, Senator Mike Seymour, District 47, Representative Stacey Wilkes, District 108, Representative Jansen Owen, District 106, and Representative Timmy Ladner, District 93. Their commitment to Main Street programs ensures communities like ours can preserve heritage while building economic opportunity.
The trust placed in Picayune Main Street to steward nearly $150,000 in ARPA funds reflects our organization's track record of responsible financial management and results-driven community development. As a nationally accredited Main Street America program, we follow proven best practices for downtown revitalization and maintain rigorous standards for accountability and transparency.
These transformative projects happened because business owners, city leaders, and community members came together with a shared vision—and because Picayune Main Street had the expertise and credibility to turn that vision into reality. ARPA funds were matched by private investment from downtown stakeholders who believe in our district's future, multiplying the impact of every public dollar invested.
This is what happens when public resources meet proven leadership—transformation you can see, touch, and experience every time you visit downtown.
Another Successful Facade Renovation: Two-sisters Restaurant by Collier Construction
Picayune Main Street's 2025 Accomplishments: Looking Forward
The 4-Point Approach: Design, Organization, Promotion & Economic Vitality
Picayune Main Street is a part of National Main Street and use their guidance and access to funding to help create a better Picayune focused in the historic downtown area. Here are some of the projects and initiatives we achieved last year:
We invite you to partner with Picayune Main Street and contribute to local events and projects focused on developing a vibrant downtown, stimulating economic growth through new businesses, cultivating a diverse local economy, and providing a welcoming environment for family-oriented community events, festivals, and showcases of local artistic talent in various mediums, including painting, music, theater, literature, ceramics, woodwork, and photography, while preserving the unique character of our community.
Why Picayune Main Street?
Picayune Main Street, Inc. is more than an organization. It is a force for community pride, economic growth, and cultural vitality. With nearly $150,000 reinvested downtown, record-breaking festivals, and visible improvements that honor the city’s history while building for the future, Picayune Main Street exemplifies what it means to serve, enrich, and lead a community.
For more than 30 years, Picayune Main Street, Inc. has been at the heart of community development in Historic Downtown Picayune. A nationally accredited Main Street America program and member of the Mississippi Main Street Association, the organization embodies the principle that community development precedes economic development. By combining historic preservation, beautification, business support, and beloved events, Picayune Main Street enriches quality of life for residents while driving economic growth that benefits the entire Greater Picayune area.
2025 Accomplishments
Reflecting Back to Year 2024/2025Accomplishments
Applying National Main Street Four-Point Approach-
Design; Organization; Promotion; Economic Vitality
**Projects made possible by ARPA Fund
Visible Difference Investments
In addition to its events, Picayune Main Street made visible and lasting improvements through targeted investments in the downtown district. Nearly $150,000 in ARPA funding was reinvested in 2024–2025, including over $100,000 in façade upgrades for local businesses, more than $25,000 in murals and public art, and close to $20,000 in lighting, signage, benches, and event equipment. These projects not only enhanced the appearance and safety of the district but also created a stronger foundation for long-term economic growth.
Impact & Partnerships
The results speak for themselves. Nearly $150,000 in beautification and revitalization efforts created safer, more attractive public spaces while strengthening local businesses. Events such as the Main Street Music Festival and the semi-annual street festivals drew thousands of visitors, doubling Picayune’s population on festival weekends and generating new revenue for merchants and restaurants. Partnerships with city officials, county leaders, and state legislators ensured broad support, while volunteers and business members contributed countless hours of service.
Leadership & Recognition
Under the leadership of President Tim Hart, Executive Director Reba Beebe, and the 2025 Board of Directors, Picayune Main Street expanded sponsorships, modernized its digital presence with a new website and brochure, and continued to engage volunteers through the National Main Street four-point approach of Design, Organization, Promotion, and Economic Vitality. The organization’s national accreditation and state-level recognition demonstrate its commitment to measurable outcomes and long-term sustainability.
Community Projects & Contributions
This year also marked a milestone with the Main Street Music Festival on September 20, 2025. Attracting between 600 and 800 attendees, one of the largest festival turnout in program history. The event was a collaborative effort between Picayune Main Street and multiple downtown businesses, offering live entertainment, food, and shopping that boosted sales and spotlighted the thriving local economy.
2026 Planned Projects and Events
Looking Forward to 2026 Projects and Events
Applying National Main Street Four-Point Approach-
Design; Organization; Promotion; Economic Vitality
DESIGN
• 2026 Grant Partnership Picayune Main Street. Board of Directors is pleased to announce the launch of a Partnership Façade Grant Program. With the goal of enhancing the visual appeal of storefronts and attracting more customers to the area, this grant program offers financial assistance to eligible businesses for façade improvements. Eligible Buildings must be inside the Designated Historic District and in compliance with local building codes and regulations. Picayune Main Street, Inc. is committed to supporting the revitalization and economic recovery of the downtown district in Picayune, Mississippi and looks forward to receiving applications projects which will improve the visual appeal and economic impact of our district.
ORGANIZATION
• Continue to promote members and share specials on all social platforms when requested
• Increase 2026 Partners and Sponsors
• Plan Membership Meetings that will encourage increased attendance
• 2026 City of Picayune Christmas Appreciation Luncheon suggestion increase sponsorship opportunities at Mary H Richardson Community Center to show appreciation to Picayune Public Works
Train Staff and local small business owners efficiently on new Website, Flyer/poster design, Email programs and Facebook Algorithm.
PROMOTION
• Continue to improve Semi Annual Street Festivals, reach out to artists and be more selective in participants & enforce guidelines for ALL participants.
• Utilizing Street Musicians during downtown events and the Semi-Annual Street Festivals, complemented by new sound systems purchased through ARPA funds will prove valuable in increasing attendance.
Join the Movement
Picayune Main Street, Inc. isn’t just an organization—it’s a movement built by people who believe in the power of place. Every volunteer, every business owner, and every visitor contributes to a shared vision: a vibrant, welcoming, and economically thriving downtown that future generations will be proud to call their own.
Whether you are a resident, entrepreneur, or visitor, we invite you to join us in shaping Picayune’s future. Together, we can preserve our heritage, celebrate our creativity, and continue building a downtown that truly reflects the heart of our community.
Picayune Main Street, Inc.
Historic Downtown Picayune
Website: www.picayunemainstreet.com
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT MAIN STREET AMERICA'S APROACHES AND PROJECTS:
https://mainstreet.org/about/how-we-work/the-main-street-approach
Become a Member
Your membership dues help us acheive these goals and your talents and assistance are welcome here!
2025 Accredited
Picayune Main Street has met the rigorous requirements to be an Accredited Main Street America Program. See our News section for detailed information about our Program and the initiatives of Main Street America.
Chamber Member of the Month
The Chamber cited our organization's commitment to continuous improvement, community engagement, and preserving our local history. They stated that our values have not only brought positive awareness to Historic Downtown Picayune but have also contributed to impressive economic returns for community.
Main Street Day at the Capitol 2024
Mississippi Main Street celebrated 40 years of service to their Main Street organizations at the MS State Capitol on March 26, 2024. The impact of our collective organizations can be seen in the posters. We have had a $78 million impact in the State. Imagine how much more is possible with your involvment!
2025 Picayune Main Street Work Plan
2025 Four Point Approach: Design, Organization, Promotion and Economic Vitality
2025 DESIGN WORK PLAN:
Enhance the physical and visual assets that set the commercial district apart
- Train Staff Efficiently on new Website, Flyer/poster design, Email programs and Facebook Algorithm
2025 ORGANIZATION WORK PLAN:
Cultivate partnerships, community involvement, and resources for historic downtown
- Continue to promote members and share specials on all social platforms when requested
- Increase 2025 Partners and Sponsors
- Plan Membership Meetings that will encourage increased attendance
- 2025 City of Picayune Christmas Appreciation Luncheon suggestion is to have 2 separate seatings at Mary H Richardson Community Center and Seek Sponsors
2025 PROMOTION WORK PLAN:
Position downtown as the center of the community and economic activity
- Continue to improve Semi Annual Street Festivals, reach out to artists and be more selective in participants & enforce guidelines for ALL participants.
- Utilizing Street Musicians during downtown events and the Semi-Annual Street Festivals, complemented by new sound systems purchased through ARPA funds will prove valuable in increasing attendance.
- Evaluate Santa Workshop with possibilities to increase participation to continue growing event
2025 ECONOMIC ACTIVITY WORK PLAN:
Create a supportive environment for entrepreneurs to help drive local economy and provide business inventory updates
- Complete Mural on the former Crosby Mercantile Building began 10/2024- Ashley Mason
- **Begin 3-D Crosswalk by Artist Andy Green Approved Dec. 2024
- ** Complete MS Power Ornate Lighting Project. Approved September 2024
- **Partnership with MS Power- install 4 Ornate lights on West Canal and 4 Ornate lights on East Canal. City of Picayune Elected Officials agreed to cover monthly cost of electricity and Picayune Main Street paid upfront cost to bore and concrete removal. Installation to begin January 2025
- ** MAGCOR 6 Benches & 6 Trash Receptacles order placed 09/2024 approved Delivery Jan 2025
2025 APPROVED PROJECTS:
FACADE GRANTS APPROVED NOVEMBER 2024:
** Two Sisters Creole Restaurant 119 A Hwy l1 South Approved Bid and confirmed contract Project began in November
**DIY Cabinets, Granite and Lighting 301 West Canal Approved Bid and confirmed contract Project began in November.
**Cottage on Curran AirBnB Approved Bid and confirmed contract Project will begin in January
INSTALL APPROVED SIGNAGE BY BAROUSE DESIGN APPROVED DECEMBER 2024:
** 201 East Canal Soap de Jolie
** 205 East Canal Guidry Furniture & Co.
** 105 Hwy 11 South Antiques and Collectibles
** 127 West Canal Street Cottage Style
INSTALL APPROVED AWNINGS BELOW PRICE APPROVED DECEMBER 2024:
**East Canal Entrance to 101 Hwy 11 South
**East Canal Entrance to 103 Hwy 11 South
A strategy for revitalizing a downtown area is incremental growth, which focuses on small, manageable development projects that makes a visual impact and gradually improves the area through a series of smaller, more achievable steps to create a more sustainable and vibrant downtown.
**Projects made possible by ARPA funds provided by the
Mississippi Main Street Association. Through the Mississippi Legislature. Pearl River County MS State Legislatures
Senator Angela Hill 40th District, Senator Mike Seymour 47th District, Stacey Wilkes House 108, Jansen Owen House 106, Timmy Ladner House 93
Picayune Main Street 2023 Accomplishments
design
- Awarded Funds to complete an amazing Façade Project at Noble House 141 Kirkwood Street
- With new windows, fencing and painting MS Power Community Partnership Project
- Facade Grant for new restaurant opening soon New Windows Upstairs and Downstairs
- Purchased Bistro Set for Thigpen Alley and Umbrellas and Stands for the 7 Bistro Sets in Alleys
- New Façade and added Handicap Accessibility for public entrance to office at 110 East Canal Street
organization
- Picayune Main Street, Inc. Program Assessment was Friday, July 7th Led by Jennifer Lay, MS Main Street Community Development with 8 Picayune Main Street members in attendance
- Lisa Thompson, Senior Program Officer for Revitalization Services was virtual
- MS Main Street Association Awarded Mr Bill Edwards the Paul Coggin Trailblazer Award
- Mr. Bill Edwards was elected as Emeritus on the Picayune Main Street, Inc. Board of Directors
- Greater Picayune Area Chamber of Commerce Awarded Vital Volunteer
- Christy Goss 2023 Volunteer of the Year
- Greater Picayune Area Chamber of Commerce Awards
promotion
- Sponsored 57th Spring Street Festival in April and 58th Semi -Annual Fall Street Festival in November
- November had a record collection of Sales Tax from out of town vendors
- Sponsored Downtown Music Event & Maker’s Market
- Sponsored the Santa’s WorkShop and Shop by Candlelight Event
- Selected Highland Community Hospital as the 2023 Historic Collectible Christmas Ornament
economic vitality
- Received $25,000.00 in Grants for Downtown Revitalization Purpose
- Received $ 4,600.00 Grants from Visit MS Tourism to promote Picayune MS
- Received $ 2,000.00 Grant Downtown Beautification Grant from Wal-Mart
- Received $ 100,000.00 ARPA Grant for Downtown Façade Project
- Received $ 1400.00 MS Arts Commission and National Endowment of the Arts Grant to preserve Murals in the Downtown area- Project Complete
- Received $ 4000.00 Grant Coast Electric To Enhance the Downtown with QR Codes with Historic Info
- Received a $1000.00 Wal Mart Grant for Downtown Improvements
- 2023 Grants Received & Awarded $138,000.00
- Over the past 18 years: Grants received 2005-2023 $2,905,549.20
We are part of a Larger Movement across America!
Main Street America
Mississippi Main Street
Mississippi Main Street
Man Street America leads a collaborative movement that advances shared prosperity, creates resilient economies and improves quality of life through place-based development and preservation. Visit their website to how this is changing the face of small towns across America.
Mississippi Main Street
Mississippi Main Street
Mississippi Main Street
Mississippi State University's School of Architecture was part of the pilot studies for establishing an agency that could assist small towns in bringing business and vitality back to their downtown and/or historic areas. Our current Mississippi Main Street assists local communities with their strategic planning, grants and grant writing, legislative matters and promotion.