Charlottesville is celebrating 50 years of its Downtown Mall. It was one of many similar walking malls built during the ‘60s and ‘70s, but it’s only one of a few that still survive today. Historians say its success was far from a given when city planners first envisioned the stretch, which they hoped would bring more people to Charlottesville’s center. Our award-winning work is made possible with your support. Visit vpm.org/givenow to support local journalism. #history #Charlottesville #vpmnews #publicmedia