Martin County Downtown Revitalization Efforts Invest in the Community While Creating a New Tourism Industry

Breathing life into a community is no easy feat. There are countless tasks that most residents never see or appreciate (like improving water and sewer systems), but are essential to support growth and development.

However, Martin County, Kentucky, is taking steps toward improvement through community collaboration. Countless groups have worked together to improve Main Street in downtown Inez, creating a place where people want to gather.

“When Judge Lon Lafferty took office three years ago, he made it clear that our future required bold leadership on two fronts: long-term infrastructure and community revitalization,” says Carolea Mills, Deputy Judge-Executive for Martin County. “While he is working on major projects behind the scenes, he tasked me with modernizing Main Street to show residents what progress looks like.”

The Main Street revitalization shows how small, low-cost changes can transform a town. While Martin County has a long way to go until the work is done, these efforts are already benefiting the region. 

The County Took on One Project at a Time

The team in Martin County started with a single project that fit within their budget and capabilities. The first task was updating the abandoned jailhouse beside the courthouse with a fresh coat of paint. Lowe’s donated materials for the project, while Appalachia Reach Out (ARO) volunteered their time to refresh the structure.

“We were surprised that such a simple change not only improved the look of the old jail, but reshaped the feel of the entire block,” says Mills. “This showed that improvements don’t have to be expensive, but they have to be intentional.”

Once the jail was painted, the community turned to the narrow, unused alley next to it. An idea formed to turn the space into a whimsical area that families and visitors could enjoy. This idea became Umbrella Alley.

“We posted an Amazon wishlist online to fund the project,” says Mills. “Within two hours, the community came together and purchased 70 umbrellas and all the necessary lighting materials. Former residents who moved away even supported the project. We saw just how eager people were to participate in something positive.”

The finish touches on the alley were done by Katie O’Connor, a local tattoo artist who painted the now-famous “Wings” mural. The repainted jailhouse, umbrella alley, and new mural turned Main Street into a social media destination. What was previously an abandoned space was now a feature that made the community proud.

Since then, the area has received new paving stones, creating a historic feel, along with seating, flowers, and lighting. It is one of the most photographed spots in Martin County.

Residents Came Up With Their Own Revitalization Projects

As Mills and her team started working on various downtown projects, more community members came forward to get involved. This accelerated the revitalization, with several volunteers working to improve downtown Inez.

The Martin County Economic Development Authority helped install the first “Welcome to Martin County” tourism sign on the side of the newly-painted jailhouse. Martin County High School carpentry students built the oversized chair, creating another photo opportunity on Courthouse Square. Mills added string lighting across Court Street and Courthouse Square, creating a cozy, small-town feel.

Not all downtown updates were small. One of the biggest additions was a permanent stage, which was funded entirely by a local donation.

“The stage has become the heartbeat for our artisan festival, harvest festival, outdoor concerts, and our beloved Christmas in the Mountains celebration,” says Mills.

The stage even has junction boxes for easy electrical access, so food vendors don’t have to bring noisy generators with them. 

Martin County Has Created A Tourism Economy

With downtown transformed into something residents could be proud of, Mills began creating attractions to draw visitors to Martin County. Her team developed the Appalachian Quilt Walking Tour in collaboration with local quilting clubs. Some of the women in these clubs have quilted with their families for generations, and the tour highlights their craftsmanship and passion.

Most recently, the old clerk’s office was converted into a general store, a shared project among the Health Department, Extension Office, Soil Conservation District, and Fiscal Court. When the store opens, it will sell local products, Appalachian crafts, and farm goods, while serving as a trail permit hub for Martin County’s growing outdoor tourism industry. It is expected to open in Spring 2026, with future work planned to accommodate local vendors.

The community also used donations and grant funding to update the facades of two buildings that had been abandoned for 35 years. The storefronts now feature the Martin County tourism branding and website, VisitMartinCountyKY.com. Tourists can access their first-ever Visitor Guide and discover everything the community has to offer.

While the project is still new, it highlights a future tourism industry in Martin County that could lead to new business investment and job opportunities. 

Inez is Becoming a Community Residents Are Proud Of

Inez is starting to look different from how residents saw it three years ago. However, Mills says there is still a lot to be done. The community changes reflect the efforts of countless partnerships, volunteers, and donors with small budgets who want to make a difference and are eager to keep working.

“Judge Lafferty continues to lead the massive infrastructure work that will secure our future, but these Main Street beautification efforts show what we can accomplish right now,” says Mills. “The message is clear: when leadership, creativity, and community pride come together, even the smallest projects can create lasting impact.”

These efforts can make residents proud of where they live, while attracting tourists to support the local economy. In the long run, increased tourism can lead to population growth, aligning with the state’s "My New Kentucky Home" campaign. Martin County is expected to see new businesses open as entrepreneurs feel inspired by their community and decide to start their new chapters there.

Learn More About the Communities of Eastern Kentucky

Eastern Kentucky comprises nine counties with communities working together for growth. Martin County is an excellent example of what happens when everyone wants to see the region thrive. Learn more about this part of America and its counties through One East Kentucky, the economic development arm for the area. See how each community is building a brighter future and preparing for new investment. Your business, and your family, belong here.

Contact One East Kentucky to visit these communities and see how they are investing in themselves. Discuss your needs and discover how each county is taking steps to meet them.