Visionary of downtown Stuart’s revitalization honored with inaugural Legacy Award
The 2025 Martin County Business Awards unveiled a new award—as well as what looks like a new tradition.
The inaugural Business Legacy Award was created to honor “members of our community whose contributions are so significant, profound and ahead of their time—that many of us go on to enjoy them without realizing how they came to be,” says Barbara Essenwine, longtime business leader in introducing the award.
Joan Jefferson, former City of Stuart commissioner who before serving in office led the restoration of downtown Stuart in the late 1980s. She and her husband, Peter, purchased the then-dilapidated Post Office Arcade building, moved in, opened a business and inspired others to follow suit.
“The downtown Stuart we’ve all come to know and love wasn’t always as charming and inviting as it is today,” says Essenwine. “In fact, it suffered from blight, neglect, disrepair, a lack of investment and a lack of visitors. It didn’t appear to have much of a future.”
Accompanied by Ann and David McMillian, the two couples inspired a movement of investment and revitalization. Within a four-year period, the downtown vacancy rate fell from 60 percent to zero. The number of businesses tripled from 50 to 150. She also helped attract and establish Stuart Main Street as an integral part of attracting people to enjoy the area.
“Downtown Stuart is where cherished traditions are honored and wonderful memories are made in Martin County,” says Essenwine. “While there are many people to thank for this, that gratitude begins with vision, grit and dedication of Joan Jefferson—who saw beyond downtown Stuart’s condition and looked ahead to what it could be.”
Learn more about how the Business Development Board of Martin County supports local businesses at www.BDBMC.org
