For many Americans, summer means heading to a downtown commercial district for shopping, dining out, or just taking an evening stroll. But keeping these downtown areas thriving takes a dedicated effort from local businesses, community leaders, and local governments. For the past 30 years, The National Trust for Historic Preservation has helped cities of all sizes revitalize their commercial districts through its Main Street Center, which provides a framework for the development and management of the corridors that often form the heart of the community. The Main Street Four-Point Approach. is a unique tool that works by addressing the varied issues that can lead to the decline of downtown business areas. Its four focus areas—organization, promotion, design, and economic restructuring—require close collaboration between government leaders and the community. The program has had a far-reaching influence with more than 2,000 community members and 37 statewide programs.
Preservation Nation Blog
Downtown Beloit, Wis.
Every year, the center recognizes the Main Street programs that go above and beyond the rest with The Great American Main Street Awards. The award winners are selected for their “active involvement of the public and private sectors; innovative solutions to significant problems; commitment to historic preservation; and successful small business development,” among other criteria. The competition this year was steep with close to 1,200 applicants, but the advancements of five communities rose to the top. Together they created nearly 400 new businesses and 1,450 new jobs, in addition to refurbishing more than 660 buildings and decreasing vacancy rates by an average of 30 percent. Of 2011’s five award winners, four are from jurisdictions that boast a council-manager form of government, and ICMA members.
Beloit, Wis. is a historic commercial district which struggled to endure as malls and giant shopping centers sprung up around the area. Through the committed work of local residents, businesses, and government officials, Beloit turned a suffering district into a flourishing one.
Fort Pierce, Fla. was tested by Mother Nature after surviving back- to-back hurricanes. The town is now not only in full repair, but the community has used this unexpected construction to build up an even better, greener, and more innovative downtown community.
Lansing, Mich. is evidence of what great things can be accomplished when a community works together. With over 1,300 volunteers, Lansing has used the Main Street methods of development to combat an increasing crime and vacancy rates with great success.
Delaware Public Archives
Downtown Newark, Del. in the 1950's
Newark, Del. has been struggling with a failing downtown since the 1970’s. Over the years the neighborhood has reinvented itself by promoting business. In the last three and a half years it has brought in more than $30 million in private investment and 26 new businesses, and it was recognized as the best city for business start-ups by Business Weekly.
Silver City, N.M. is the only one of the five original Main Street towns in the state that has operated continuously. Their consistent growth has helped put the community on the map as an established destination for the arts, culture-based tourism, and artisan manufacturing.