Viewers across the country could watch Toano’s revitalization on their television screens — or at least that’s the hope.
The Toano Historical Society is rallying the community to enter into HGTV’s “Home Town Takeover” contest for a chance at winning an entire town makeover by network stars, Erin and Ben Napier.
The network is accepting submissions to be featured on their new show “Home Town Takeover” until Feb. 7 and residents are gathering in front of the Historic Toano cart Monday evening to give their video testimonials.
“The application process is open right now and we’ve begun putting together a video highlighting our revitalization efforts so far,” representatives wrote on the historical society’s Facebook page.
The contest comes as developers move forward with the Toano Revitalization project to attract more awareness and business to the area while maintaining its history but adding a modern flare.
RELATED STORY: There’s more in store for Toano’s new historic district
Establishing the Toano Historical Society and placing the Toano Commercial Historic District on the Virginia Landmarks Register and on the National Register of Historic Places are some initiatives the developers have taken to preserve the small-town character of the community.
Another initiative of the revitalization project aims to create a “Main street from the past” which according to the website is an element HGTV is looking for in the towns they choose to makeover: “A Main street that needs a facelift.”
Other qualifications are having a population of less than 40,000 and homes with “great architecture longing to be revealed.”
Toano Historical Society said they’re sending in a video submission that will end with a showcase of residents in a “group shot” also to be filmed at the historic cart Monday evening.
For more information about “Home Town Takeover” or the Toano Historical Society, click here.
