Historic Lebanon Leader Plans New Initiatives for Community Growth

LEBANON, TN — On May 7, 2025, Historic Lebanon Executive Director Robyn Willis announced plans for new initiatives to support the organization’s mission. After over a year in her role, she expressed excitement about strengthening the community’s historic downtown area.

Willis began her position in March 2024 and stated that the next year will include new programs and financial support for businesses in historic districts. “Our mission remains to preserve, enrich and promote the historic downtown area as the heart of the community,” she said.

One of her initial actions was to form committees targeting four focus areas outlined by Main Street America: design, economic vitality, promotion, and organization. “We got started on projects for those, and we really have great board engagement,” Willis added. “We’re expanding from focusing on the historic preservation side to also supporting our businesses.”

To assist the approximately 200 businesses in historic districts, Historic Lebanon plans to utilize social media for outreach. Two new programs set to launch this year include Main Street business training and a façade and awning grant program. “We are planning quarterly training around social media, accounting, and basic business ownership. We’re polling them to see their highest needs for training and programs,” Willis explained.

The façade and awning grant aims to enhance the curb appeal of local businesses. “Businesses can apply to Historic Lebanon for grants to improve their façades and awnings,” Willis stated. “Anybody in our area can apply.”

Despite these new initiatives, preserving history remains crucial for the organization. Willis commended ongoing restoration efforts, such as the Pickett Chapel project. “By knowing where we came from and understanding our history, we can see where we’re going,” she noted. “I think it’s important to honor our heritage.”

In the past decade, business owners, building owners, and the City of Lebanon have invested over $25 million in the downtown district. “There’s been a huge commitment to make downtown a vibrant and charming place,” said Willis, praising the community effort. “It’s pretty magical; it’s a great community of people dedicated to working together.”

Demeter’s Common owner Mallory Jennings reflected positively on Willis’s first year, saying, “She’s done a fabulous job. She really has. We’re lucky to have her.”

Willis confirmed that Historic Lebanon will continue collaborating with the Wilson County Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Lebanon Merchants, and the City of Lebanon. They are organizing community events like the Lebanon Art Crawl and Rock the Block, which are expected to take place earlier in 2025. For more information, visit historiclebanon.com.