About Us

Community, Legacy, & Leadership in Lynchburg

Meet the board and staff of Pierce Street Gateway. Discover our values of neighbor-centric assets and sustainable innovation in the PSRHD.

Pierce Street Gateway (PSG) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established to preserve the Pierce Street Renaissance Historic District (PSRHD) and reduce food insecurity among current PSRHD residents via restoration of the Calloway Store and grounds as a community hub and garden. PSG seeks to leverage this resource in collaboration with community partners to preserve and serve PSRHD.

Goals

The initial goal is to study, stabilize, then preserve and restore the important historical structure at 1301 Pierce Street, while working to create a hub for neighborhood tourism.

Purpose

To raise awareness of the legacy of the Pierce Street Historic District and its residents through our storytelling, advocacy, leadership, education, partnership, and innovation.

Values

Our passion to tell the stories of those who made an impact on Pierce Street and improve the lived experiences of our current neighbors is supported by our values of:

Understanding the unique needs of the neighborhood
Recognizing our neighbors as our greatest asset
Investing in partnerships
Encouraging innovation, collaboration, creativity and sustainability

Pierce Street Gateway aims to

Promote tourism in Lynchburg, the region, and potentially even the state
Contribute to the preservation and renewal of an important Lynchburg community and neighborhood
Create a multi-faceted, multi-functional nonprofit that will strengthen and sustain the Pierce Street community and neighborhood.

Neighbor-Centric

Assets

We view our neighbors as our greatest resource. Our preservation efforts are dictated by the actual needs and voices of those living in the PSRHD today.

Sustainable

Innovation

We reject temporary fixes. We use creative collaboration and sustainable practices to ensure neighborhood renewal lasts for generations.

Invested

Partnerships

We believe in the power of "we." By aligning with local stakeholders, we amplify our impact on community health and historic literacy.

Living

History

History isn't just in books; it’s in the streets. We are passionate about telling the stories of the people who shaped Pierce Street to inspire those who walk it now.

Our Team

STAFF

Sarah Blankenship

Executive Director

Hayley Jones

Community Engagement Coordinator

BOARD

The Pierce Street Gateway Board of Directors and Advisory Board come from diverse backgrounds and industries in the Lynchburg community. They are responsible for overseeing the strategic direction of the Pierce Street Gateway.