On September 30, over 90 volunteers, members, building and business owners and community partners gathered for the Albany Downtown Association’s 2024 Excellence in Downtown Albany Awards.
Taylor Roosa and Jena Metting, event co-chairs, invited attendees “to celebrate what makes Downtown Albany unique – from our rich history and beautiful architecture to our thriving arts scene, dining establishments, shopping opportunities and the ever-growing entertainment venues.”
Lise Grato, ADA’s Executive Director, welcomed city partners including Mayor Alex Johnson II, City Councilors and City Directors. Thanking those present and the rest of the City team “for their invaluable support in projects and funding.”
She also extended ADA’s “heartfelt appreciation” to attending community partners – the Albany Visitors Association, LEDG and the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce.
“We owe a debt of gratitude to our members, from building and business owners to our Friends of Downtown Albany,” said Lise. “Your support of the Albany Downtown Association is crucial for reaching our Oregon Main Street and National Main Street goals, aimed at revitalizing Downtown Albany.” She also gave a big thank-you to ADA’s 2024-25 Board.
This summer, ADA asked for the public’s help in making nominations, the nominees were then evaluated and winners selected by our awards committee. Winners had to meet geographic, calendar and other award-specific rules.
Creative Placemaking
Albany Area Chamber of Commerce Mural
Placemaking is about using a community’s assets and potential to create public spaces that promote health, happiness and well-being. This award recognizes those who have made meaningful and attractive improvements to public areas in Downtown Albany.
The mural has brought a sense of place and pride to Downtown Albany. Representing history and industry, this eye-catching focal piece draws attention from both locals and visitors alike.
Additional Nominees:
• 1st Street Parklet restoration – Windermere
• Sole to Soul Yoga’s community classes
Outstanding Promotional Event
Antiques in the Streets & Classic Car Show
This category recognizes creative and effective image campaigns, special events, or other promotional projects that attracted people to Downtown Albany between July 2023 and June 2024.
Congratulations to Sharon and Scott Anderson and everyone who helped make this event a success! It not only brought our community together but also showcased the best of Downtown Albany. Thank you for putting Albany on the map each year drawing visitors and participants from around Oregon.
Additional Nominees
• Albany Pride
• Albany Wine Walk
• Albany Tweed Ride
• Carnival at the Carousel
• Christmas in July
• Downtown Trick or Treat
• Downtown Twice Around Parade and Community Tree Lighting
• Linn County Veterans Day Parade
Good Neighbor Award
Stay Awhile Vintage Mercantile
This award is not just about business; it’s about the heart and soul of Downtown Albany. This very special accolade honors businesses that not only provide exceptional service but also go above and beyond to nurture and enhance the sense of community here in our Downtown.
Anne Shelley and her business partner and son, Roma, quickly incorporated themselves into the Downtown community. Operating six days a week, they make sure to be open for those visiting the Carousel and neighboring shops. They enthusiastically share information on local restaurants and other shopping opportunities.
The other top finalists were:
• La Belle Boutique
• Camille’s Bistro
• Urban Ag Supply
Open Door Award
Albany Pride
Nominees for the Open Door Award represent models of inclusive practices that build community through the creation of safe identity or affinity spaces. Projects, programs or events in this category increase community inclusivity.
Albany Pride held its 7th annual Pride event on June 22. This celebration of love, diversity and inclusion was held in Downtown Albany in front of the Linn County Courthouse. The event consisted of a day full of joy, solidarity and vibrant festivities for all members of the community. The 2024 theme was “Unity in Diversity.”
Additional Eligible Nominees:
• Albany Visitors Association
• Embrace Kindness BodyWork
• The Historic Carousel & Museum
• Ophelia’s Place
• The Pix Theatre
• Urban Ag Supply
Standout Volunteer
Beth Walker
The Albany Downtown Association depends on our volunteers, in 2023-24 we had dozens of public events and countless internal activities made possible by our volunteers. From the ongoing guidance of our Board of Directors and dedication of our committees to the dozens of volunteers who give hours for the parade, member events, hanging baskets, tree lights and more, we accomplished our goals and gained positive feedback from our communities and peers. With so many volunteers, it was hard to pick just one to honor.
Beth Walker went above and beyond in 2023-2024! She volunteered at events throughout the year, recruited volunteers, participated in the Adopt-a-Block program and served on not one but two committees, co-chairing one of them. She supported other business owners, spreading the word on events, securing sponsors, championing and also creating Downtown events!
Building Renovation of the Year
Greyhound Tavern Building
The Building Renovation of the Year award celebrates those building owners or projects that have truly elevated Downtown Albany by making significant exterior or interior improvements to a non-historic structure. These renovations don’t just beautify – they breathe new life into our downtown and strengthen its economic vitality.
Congratulations to building owners Kody & Michelle Roth and Tyler Porter! They took a derelict building and completely reimagined it, using its original purpose as the inspiration for the new design.
The formerly blighted area is now welcoming. In addition to the Greyhound Tavern venue, they added a sweet ten-ant, Sugar J’s Ice Cream Workshop.
The building improvements were a $400,000 investment in our Downtown district, funded in part by a 2023 Oregon Main Street Revitalization Grant. The building has added 29 Downtown jobs plus opportunities for musicians, dance instructors and food suppliers.
Historic Preservation Award
The Opera House
This award recognizes the unique challenges faced by projects involving designated historic properties. These renovations must follow strict guidelines set by the City’s Landmarks Commission, State Historic Preservation Office and national standards. The process is often lengthy, costly and filled with obstacles. However, Downtown Albany’s strong sense of community and commitment to preserving its history continues to drive these efforts forward.
Congratulations to Scott Lepman and his amazing team at Glorietta Bay LLC. This beautifully restored building, originally built in 1905 as Albany’s first Opera House, now retains its historic charm on the exterior while featuring modern, well-equipped apartments inside.
This project supported dozens of local construction jobs and is helping to bring more people to our area, revitalizing Downtown in the process. The building adds two short-term rental units and 16 apartments with over 20+ occupants who eat, shop and play Downtown!
Additional Nominees:
• 1st Hand Seconds Unique Boutique
• Monteith Square
• Woods Apartments
Leadership on Main
Taylor Roosa
Oregon Main Street says Leadership is at the heart of community building. This award recognizes an individual who has shown extraordinary dedication to their local Downtown over a significant period of time. Nominees for Leadership on Main may be committee volunteers, board members or other community leaders involved in the Main Street program.
A lot was accomplished over the past year. Taylor has consistently shown remarkable leadership and enduring commitment and expertise, contributing significantly to the well-being and growth of the Downtown Albany community. She is a member of the Albany Downtown Association Board of Directors and was an active part of this year’s strategic planning process.
When the position became open, Taylor stepped up to co-chair the Economic Vitality Committee and led the group to accomplish all their 2023-24 strategic plan goals as well as host the most successful education and mixer events to date. She also chaired the committee for the awards selection process and the wonderful recognition event.
New Business of the Year
Camille’s Bistro
This award celebrates the vibrant spirit of entrepreneurship that characterizes Downtown Albany. The “New Business of the Year” award is given to a business that has made significant strides in our community and opened its doors in the two-year period between July 1, 2022 and June 30, 2024.
Congratulations to Camille Romania and team! They enriched our downtown community by opening their doors and sharing their heart with all who enter by delivering exceptional service and delicious cuisine. Starting out as breakfast and lunch with French flair, Camille’s now offers dinner Friday-Sunday. They also hold private events and cater. In short, Camille’s has become a new staple in the food scene Downtown!
Additional Nominees:
• Beloved Cheesecakes
• Greyhound Tavern
• JoNuts
• Stay Awhile Vintage Mercantile
• Wine Crush
Business of the Year
Merrime Bridal
The Business of the Year award is designed to recognize the innovation, dedication and entrepreneurial spirit displayed by our entrepreneurs and small businesses. Eligible nominees are businesses that increase their volume of business, expand operations or demonstrate a strong commitment to Downtown revitalization.
Here are a few highlights from the nominations:
• This business is supportive of Downtown and always involved in Downtown events.
• Jena Metting volunteers on multiple ADA committees, giving her time to help other businesses thrive like hers.
• This business also provides a unique, valuable and high-quality retail option for our city, helping us meet our goal of diverse offerings for locals and visitors.
• As a business owner, there are times where I look to Jena for guidance. She is always trying to better her business, better our downtown, and is such a positive businesswoman. I see her constantly trying to educate herself and others so that we can become a great downtown together.
Additional nominees:
• Varitone Architecture
• Margin Coffee Roaster
In conclusion, attendees were asked to “carry the inspiration from tonight’s awards with us as we work together to elevate and celebrate everything that makes Albany truly unique.”
As volunteers departed, they were met with a table full of Thank You candy jars from Sugarheroes Candy Bar filled with sweet mixes as diverse and individual as our volunteers.
We wish to thank our amazing Downtown partners Loafers Station for the tasty food and Natural Sprinkles for the delightful desserts. A giant shout out to Jim Hoffman at Wine Crush for donating all of the wine and Mitzi Dykast for creating and donating the beautiful flower arrangements.
Congratulations once again to all of this year’s award recipients! Your hard work and achievements truly reflect the spirit of excellence that makes Downtown Albany so special.
Excellence in Downtown Albany Awards Winners: Open Door Award: Albany Pride, Keith Kolkow. Volunteer of the Year: Beth Walker. Outstanding Promotional Event: Antiques in the Streets & Classic Car Show, Sharon Anderson. Historic Preservation Award: The Opera House, Jeremy Lepman. New Business of the Year: Camille’s Bistro, Camille Romania. Business of the Year: Merrime Bridal, Jena Metting & Rose Heth. Creative Placemaking: Albany Area Chamber of Commerce Mural Project, Stacie Wyss-Schoenborn & Jennifer Stanaway. Leadership on Main, Taylor Roosa. (See other winners in individual photos.)
Visit our Facebook page for more event photos.
