The Mississippi Main Street Association (MMSA) celebrated downtown revitalization success and announced statewide award winners at its 2026 Annual Awards Luncheon at The South in downtown Jackson.
Starkville received four awards for excellence in the categories of organization, promotion, design, and special awards. In addition, Starkville was honored as a nationally accredited program.
Photos along with award descriptions, sponsors, and recipients are listed below.
Outstanding Community Education Campaign – Support Starkville Campaign by Kathy Jacobs Design & Marketing
This award recognizes excellence in a targeted campaign that educates the community on a particular aspect of a Main Street program.
Outstanding Retail Promotion – Shop Local Warehouse Sale
This award honors the Main Street organization that has developed an effective retail promotion in conjunction with downtown retailers.
Outstanding Historic Rehabilitation Project – Castle Properties & The Collective Co.
This award is granted to an individual, business, or municipality that has completed a historic rehabilitation project in the downtown district that continues the use of the building and meets the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation.
Sam Kaye Excellence in Design – Leah Kemp
Sam Kaye was an architect and community leader who served MMSA as a staff member and design consultant from 1994 until his passing in 2013. As a member of the Board of Advisors of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Sam’s involvement in historic preservation was nationally known and recognized. This award is given to the design professional or firm that exhibits the spirit, compassion, and talent of the man for whom the award is named.
