Main Street America's local Main Street programs aim to revitalize downtowns and commercial districts through preservation-based economic development and community revitalization. The "Main Street Project"[1] was begun in 1977 by the
National Trust for Historic Preservation with a pilot involving 3 towns:
Galesburg, Illinois;
Madison, Indiana; and
Hot Springs, South Dakota.[2] Based on the success in those three towns, a pilot project followed in six states: Texas, Colorado, Georgia, Massachusetts, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania.[3]
Since then,
Main Street America has expanded the program to many other towns. These may be statewide or regional "coordinating programs" or "local programs." Programs determined to be "Designated" follow best-practices established by the National Main Street Center and/or statewide or regional coordinating programs.[4] One requirement of being a "Designated" program is to appoint a full-time staff member, often called a
main street manager.
In 2020, there were 860 Nationally Accredited Main Street America programs and 44 Coordinating Programs.[5]
The Arizona Downtown Alliance was started in 1984 to encourage the redevelopment and improvement of downtowns in Arizona. Steven Griffin served as the President in 1984-1985.[7] William E. Mosher, executive director of Tucson's Downtown Development Corporation was elected president in January 1987. The first ever statewide historic preservation conference, "A Sense of Place" was held June 2003 with support from the Arizona Main Street Program.[8] Around 2008 the Main Street Program was housed under the Arizona Department of Commerce.[9] Today Lani Lott is Coordinator of the Arizona Downtown Alliance, a program of the Arizona Preservation Foundation.
California established a statewide coordinating program in 1986. From 1986 to 2002, the California Main Street Program was administered by the California Technology, Trade and Commerce Agency and supported by State General Funds. That agency was eliminated in 2002/03 due to a budget crisis. In 2004 the California Main Street Program was re-established within the Office of Historic Preservation.[11]
After the "Main Street Project" concluded in 1979, Colorado was one of the first six states selected for establishment of a statewide coordinating program. At the time of founding the Gates Foundation gave $100,000 to underwrite free design services in Main Street communities.[12] Today the
Colorado Department of Local Affairs serves the statewide coordinating program. In Colorado there are Designated, Candidate, Graduate, and Affiliate communities.
"Main Street Communities". Colorado Department of Local Affairs. Retrieved 2021-03-04.
Lisa Bumbera was coordinator for the State Program in 1995 when it was established under Connecticut Light and Power Company (CL&P). Connecticut was the first state to have its program sponsored by a private corporation rather than by the state government.[13] The Connecticut Main Street Center was established as an independent non-profit in December 1999. The Connecticut Department of Economic Development became a Founding Partner of the program, along with CL&P. John Simone became the first full-time executive director of Connecticut Main Street in January 2000.[14] When NU merged with Boston-based NStar in April 2012 the future of the program was cast into question.[15] In August 2017, Patrick McMahon became Chief Executive Officer for the Connecticut Main Street Center, Inc.
Simsbury, Simsbury Main Street Partnership, Inc., selected to participate in state program in 1995.[16] Anzie O. Glover, a Simsbury resident, was selected to be the director of the Simsbury Main Street Partnership in 1996.[17]
Winsted, Friends of Main Street, Common Council authorized application to Connecticut Main Street Program in 1995.[18] The town was accepted into the program in 2001..[19]
Non-participating Communities
East Hartford, Town Council authorized application to Connecticut Main Street Program in 1995.[20] Selected in 1995.[21]
Meriden, Bob Cooper was Meriden's downtown manager in 1996.[22]
Torrington, Torrington Main Street Action Team, Selected in 1995.[24] Shortly after being designated a public forum was held about whether to continue in the program, as they could not secure a full time director as required to participate.[25]
Windsor, John Simone was the first and only executive director of First Town Downtown. After three years he left to become the first full-time executive director of Connecticut Main Street in January 2000.[26]
Vernon, Rockville Downtown Association, Cliff Edwards was hired as manager in 2010.[27]
Delaware
DelBiz on Main is the state Coordinating Program for Delaware, located within the Department of State, Division of Small Business.[28]
Accredited Programs
Dover,
Downtown Dover Partnership, the Central Dover Business Association looked into the Main Street program in June 1992, at which time the City gave $20,000 towards the program.[29]
After the "Main Street Project" concluded in 1979, Georgia was one of the first six states selected for establishment of a statewide coordinating program. At the time of founding the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation raised $100,000 to provide design assistance to Main Street Communities.[32] Today the
Georgia Main Street program serves over 100 communities.
The statewide Main Street coordinating program was launched in June 2012 under the Idaho Department of Commerce. Jerry Miller is the state coordinator for Idaho.[33]
Originally field staff with the National Trust for Historic Preservation in Chicago were instrumental in starting the "Main Street Project." One of the three original "Main Street Project" communities was in Galesburg, Illinois, from 1977-1979. Donna Ann Harris was the State Coordinator of the Illinois Main Street Program between 2000 and 2002.[34] Presently Kelly Humrichouser is state coordinator for the Illinois Main Street program that has 19 active programs across the state.[35]
Galesburg, Galesburg Downtown Council. The Galesburg Downtown Council was formed in the fall of 1972 after plans were announced for a new shopping center, the Sandburg Mall.[36] A few years later when Galesburg was selected for the "Main Street Project" in 1977 it made front page news just below the Galesburg Register-Mail masthead. In the article, Robert Carter with the National Trust for Historic Preservation commented "One of the problems we face in this type of work has never been done before."[37]
Madison, Madison Main Street Program, First hosted a visit of Lockwood Martling from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in 1970.[38] Later became one of three original "Main Street Project" communities in the US, run by Historic Madison, Inc. first founded in 1960.[39] Madison was one of 10 semifinalists for the "Main Street Project" in 1977 and ultimately selected.[40] Tom Moriarity, director of Historic Madison, Inc. worked for the National Trust for Historic Preservation between 1977 and 1979 as part of the "Main Street Project."[41]
Parsons,
Downtown Parsons, Inc., a team from the Kansas Department of Economic Development Main Street Program visited in May 1986. They met with "Mainstreet PRIDE" Board of Directors.[43]
The Louisiana Main Street Program is within the Office of Cultural Development and the Division of Historic Preservation. Established in 1984, there are presently 24 designated Main Street Programs in Louisiana.[44]
The
Maine Development Foundation serves as the coordinating program for Maine. In August 2018, Main Street Maine communities launched a
website to share authentic Maine downtown experiences, featuring businesses and attractions in each city and town with the National Main Street designation.
After the "Main Street Project" concluded in 1979, Massachusetts was one of the first six states selected for establishment of a statewide coordinating program. At the time of founding banking industry leaders held two conferences to discuss innovative financing programs.[46] Under the leadership of then Boston Mayor Thomas Menino, a citywide coordinating program was established in Boston. This has since grown to include 22 designated Main Street programs in Boston.[47][48]
Marshall, Marshall Main Street. When the National Trust for Historic Preservation was developing a program for downtown revitalization in the 1970s, Marshall is one of three towns frequently cited as a success story.[49]
A unique approach has been taken in Minnesota to rebrand the Preservation Alliance of Minnesota as "
Rethos" - a 501c3 non-profit that works with Main Street communities but also neighborhood groups, developers, and homeowners.[50]
Winona, in June 1974 a workshop "Heritage is a Verb: a Public Workshop on Historic Preservation" featured Mary Means, field staff, National Trust for Historic Preservation. Following the workshop a tour of the Latsch Building with the committee to Save Historic Winona occurred.[51]
The Mississippi Main Street Association was established in 1984 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization headquartered in
Jackson, Mississippi. Mississippi Main Street serves as the coordinating program for 48 designated Main Street programs in
Mississippi. Thomas Gregory currently serves as the executive director and state coordinator for the Mississippi Main Street Association.[52] Previous state coordinators include Bob Wilson, Beverly Meng, and Scott Barksdale.[53] Below is a list of Mississippi's designated Main Street programs.
Missouri has over 160 commercial districts participating in Missouri Main Street. A state-wide non-profit organization was formed in 2004 and recognizes communities in the following categories: Accredited, Associate, Affiliate, and Aspiring. There are 7 accredited communities with the highest level of designation.[54] Gayla Roten has been State Director since November 2007. She is assisted in that role by a staff of six.[55]
St. Joseph. In 1974 Mary Means then serving as field services for the National Trust for Historic Preservation spoke to a group at the Chamber of Commerce in St. Joseph. This was among the earliest times a suggestion was made to revitalize a commercial area using preservation as a tool. The warehouse area on 4th Street, Francis to Jule St, was recommended "as a possible historical shopping area ripe for development."[56]
Montana Main Street Program was established in 2005 as a collaborative effort between the Community Development Division and the Montana Office of Tourism at the Department of Commerce.[57] Three pilot projects for the program were selected in 2006: Anaconda, Polson, and Red Lodge. Joining them a few years later were Libby, STevensville, Butte, and Livingston to bring the total up to seven.[58] In 2013 Governor Steve Bullock brought together the Community Development Division of the Montana Office of Tourism and the Montana Department of Commerce in a new effort to help revitalize historic downtowns in Montana, after the Montana Main Street Program had been cut in the 2013 Legislative Session. At the time twenty-one communities were participating in the program.[59]
Certified Programs
Butte, Mainstreet Uptown Butte, Inc., member since 2008
Stevensville, Stevensville Main Street Association, member since 2008
Affiliate Programs
Anaconda, Anaconda Main Street Program, selected as one of three pilot projects for the Montana Main Street Program on April 6, 2006.[60]
Polson, Polson CDA - Main Street Project, selected as one of three pilot projects for the Montana Main Street Program on April 6, 2006.[61]
Red Lodge, Red Lodge Economic Development Corporation. Revitalization plan was created in 1986.[62] Selected as one of three pilot projects for the Montana Main Street Program on April 6, 2006.[63]
New Jersey has two
Great American Main Street Award winners: Westfield (2004) and Montclair (2015). Today the
Main Street New Jersey coordinating program is operated by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs in Trenton, New Jersey.
Atlantic City - Atlantic Avenue, Main Street Atlantic City
New York is one of the few states in the US that does not have a state coordinating program officially recognized by Main Street America. That has not prevented a number of communities from pursuing downtown revitalization, with several that have faithfully followed the Main Street Approach.
Cazenovia, When the National Trust for Historic Preservation was developing a program for downtown revitalization in the 1970s, Cazenovia is one of three towns frequently cited as a success story.[64]
Corning,
Gaffer District. Home of Corning Glass Works and the prototype in the 1970s for downtown revitalizations programs that followed nationwide. Cited as an early success story for efforts to revitalize the downtown following a major flood.
Ithaca,
Downtown Ithaca. Mary Means, field staff member of the National Trust for Historic Preservation visited and gave a talk on "Conservation of Townscape" on April 10, 1976.[65]
Medina, Main Street Medina. When the National Trust for Historic Preservation was developing a program for downtown revitalization in the 1970s, Medina is one of three towns frequently cited as a success story.[66]
There are three levels of designation in Oregon: Performing Main Street, Transforming Downtown, and Exploring Downtown. Today they are 64 Main Street programs in Oregon.[67]
After the "Main Street Project" concluded in 1979, Pennsylvania was one of the first six states selected for establishment of a statewide coordinating program.[68] Today the
Pennsylvania Downtown Center, founded in 1987, is the state coordinating program for Pennsylvania.
The South Carolina Downtown Development Association was formed as a private, nonprofit organization in 1984. Five of the original towns in the South Carolina Main Street Program named in 1984 were Sumter, Chester, Union, Lancaster, and Georgetown.[69] In 1985 they were joined by five more towns: Clinton, Beaufort, Gaffney, Greer, and Seneca.[70] Another five cities were named to the program in 1986: Anderson, Bennettsville, Camden, Conway, and Darlington.[71] A call went out in 1999 for "1,000 Friends of South Carolina" to support the ongoing work of the South Carolina Downtown Development Association. That call for supporters reflected on the effectiveness of a grassroots approach to achieve community revitalization over the past 16 years.[72]
One of the three original "Main Street Project" communities was in Hot Springs, South Dakota, from 1977-1979. As of 2021, however, there are no Main Street America designated programs in South Dakota, nor is there an active state coordinating program. Of the downtowns in South Dakota some follow the Main Street Approach, while others are a downtown association or chamber of commerce format.[75]
Deadwood,
Deadwood Chamber of Commerce. Deadwood was one of the earliest communities to receive funding from the National Trust Historic Preservation in support of commercial district revitalization. As a precursor to the Main Street Program, in April 1974 architect Steven Stoltz, of the firm Steffan and Stoltz in Iowa, presented architectural drawings of buildings on Main Street with directions of what would be needed to restore each one. The state provided $15,250 and National Trust another $1,000.[76]
Rapid City,
Downtown Rapid City. It is here that noted preservation expert Donovan Rypkema[77] was an appraiser and owner of the Buell Building at 632 St. Joseph St.[78] Rypkema would go on to have a distinctive career in historic preservation working extensively in the US and Internationally through his
PlaceEconomics and
Heritage Strategies International consulting firms.
After the "Main Street Project" concluded in 1979, Texas one was one of the first six states selected for establishment of a statewide coordinating program. Texas Main Street was established under the Texas Historical Commission and based in Austin, Texas.[79] In 1981, Seguin received a "Resource Team" that spent a week with business and civic leaders, bankers, elected officials, and the newly appointed Main Street Manager. Over the next 3 years plans to rehab several building were aided by a low-interest loan pool established by local banks.[80] Anice Read led the program from the start until she retired in 1996.[81] As of 2021, Debra Drescher leads a 9-person staff serving 88 communities.[82]
La Crosse, Downtown Main Street, Inc., designated 2013. In 1976 the National Trust for Historic Preservation was involved in advocacy for preservation of the old post office in downtown La Crosse and incorporating this into downtown revitalization plans,[84] though these efforts were ultimately unsuccessful.
Sheboygan Falls, Sheboygan Falls Main Street. On April 9, 1975, Mary Means, field staff for the National Trust for Historic Preservation spoke on "Preservation is Good Business" to the Sheboygan Falls Downtown Preservation committee.[85], Main Street program designated 1988.
Main Street America's local Main Street programs aim to revitalize downtowns and commercial districts through preservation-based economic development and community revitalization. The "Main Street Project"[1] was begun in 1977 by the
National Trust for Historic Preservation with a pilot involving 3 towns:
Galesburg, Illinois;
Madison, Indiana; and
Hot Springs, South Dakota.[2] Based on the success in those three towns, a pilot project followed in six states: Texas, Colorado, Georgia, Massachusetts, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania.[3]
Since then,
Main Street America has expanded the program to many other towns. These may be statewide or regional "coordinating programs" or "local programs." Programs determined to be "Designated" follow best-practices established by the National Main Street Center and/or statewide or regional coordinating programs.[4] One requirement of being a "Designated" program is to appoint a full-time staff member, often called a
main street manager.
In 2020, there were 860 Nationally Accredited Main Street America programs and 44 Coordinating Programs.[5]
The Arizona Downtown Alliance was started in 1984 to encourage the redevelopment and improvement of downtowns in Arizona. Steven Griffin served as the President in 1984-1985.[7] William E. Mosher, executive director of Tucson's Downtown Development Corporation was elected president in January 1987. The first ever statewide historic preservation conference, "A Sense of Place" was held June 2003 with support from the Arizona Main Street Program.[8] Around 2008 the Main Street Program was housed under the Arizona Department of Commerce.[9] Today Lani Lott is Coordinator of the Arizona Downtown Alliance, a program of the Arizona Preservation Foundation.
California established a statewide coordinating program in 1986. From 1986 to 2002, the California Main Street Program was administered by the California Technology, Trade and Commerce Agency and supported by State General Funds. That agency was eliminated in 2002/03 due to a budget crisis. In 2004 the California Main Street Program was re-established within the Office of Historic Preservation.[11]
After the "Main Street Project" concluded in 1979, Colorado was one of the first six states selected for establishment of a statewide coordinating program. At the time of founding the Gates Foundation gave $100,000 to underwrite free design services in Main Street communities.[12] Today the
Colorado Department of Local Affairs serves the statewide coordinating program. In Colorado there are Designated, Candidate, Graduate, and Affiliate communities.
"Main Street Communities". Colorado Department of Local Affairs. Retrieved 2021-03-04.
Lisa Bumbera was coordinator for the State Program in 1995 when it was established under Connecticut Light and Power Company (CL&P). Connecticut was the first state to have its program sponsored by a private corporation rather than by the state government.[13] The Connecticut Main Street Center was established as an independent non-profit in December 1999. The Connecticut Department of Economic Development became a Founding Partner of the program, along with CL&P. John Simone became the first full-time executive director of Connecticut Main Street in January 2000.[14] When NU merged with Boston-based NStar in April 2012 the future of the program was cast into question.[15] In August 2017, Patrick McMahon became Chief Executive Officer for the Connecticut Main Street Center, Inc.
Simsbury, Simsbury Main Street Partnership, Inc., selected to participate in state program in 1995.[16] Anzie O. Glover, a Simsbury resident, was selected to be the director of the Simsbury Main Street Partnership in 1996.[17]
Winsted, Friends of Main Street, Common Council authorized application to Connecticut Main Street Program in 1995.[18] The town was accepted into the program in 2001..[19]
Non-participating Communities
East Hartford, Town Council authorized application to Connecticut Main Street Program in 1995.[20] Selected in 1995.[21]
Meriden, Bob Cooper was Meriden's downtown manager in 1996.[22]
Torrington, Torrington Main Street Action Team, Selected in 1995.[24] Shortly after being designated a public forum was held about whether to continue in the program, as they could not secure a full time director as required to participate.[25]
Windsor, John Simone was the first and only executive director of First Town Downtown. After three years he left to become the first full-time executive director of Connecticut Main Street in January 2000.[26]
Vernon, Rockville Downtown Association, Cliff Edwards was hired as manager in 2010.[27]
Delaware
DelBiz on Main is the state Coordinating Program for Delaware, located within the Department of State, Division of Small Business.[28]
Accredited Programs
Dover,
Downtown Dover Partnership, the Central Dover Business Association looked into the Main Street program in June 1992, at which time the City gave $20,000 towards the program.[29]
After the "Main Street Project" concluded in 1979, Georgia was one of the first six states selected for establishment of a statewide coordinating program. At the time of founding the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation raised $100,000 to provide design assistance to Main Street Communities.[32] Today the
Georgia Main Street program serves over 100 communities.
The statewide Main Street coordinating program was launched in June 2012 under the Idaho Department of Commerce. Jerry Miller is the state coordinator for Idaho.[33]
Originally field staff with the National Trust for Historic Preservation in Chicago were instrumental in starting the "Main Street Project." One of the three original "Main Street Project" communities was in Galesburg, Illinois, from 1977-1979. Donna Ann Harris was the State Coordinator of the Illinois Main Street Program between 2000 and 2002.[34] Presently Kelly Humrichouser is state coordinator for the Illinois Main Street program that has 19 active programs across the state.[35]
Galesburg, Galesburg Downtown Council. The Galesburg Downtown Council was formed in the fall of 1972 after plans were announced for a new shopping center, the Sandburg Mall.[36] A few years later when Galesburg was selected for the "Main Street Project" in 1977 it made front page news just below the Galesburg Register-Mail masthead. In the article, Robert Carter with the National Trust for Historic Preservation commented "One of the problems we face in this type of work has never been done before."[37]
Madison, Madison Main Street Program, First hosted a visit of Lockwood Martling from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in 1970.[38] Later became one of three original "Main Street Project" communities in the US, run by Historic Madison, Inc. first founded in 1960.[39] Madison was one of 10 semifinalists for the "Main Street Project" in 1977 and ultimately selected.[40] Tom Moriarity, director of Historic Madison, Inc. worked for the National Trust for Historic Preservation between 1977 and 1979 as part of the "Main Street Project."[41]
Parsons,
Downtown Parsons, Inc., a team from the Kansas Department of Economic Development Main Street Program visited in May 1986. They met with "Mainstreet PRIDE" Board of Directors.[43]
The Louisiana Main Street Program is within the Office of Cultural Development and the Division of Historic Preservation. Established in 1984, there are presently 24 designated Main Street Programs in Louisiana.[44]
The
Maine Development Foundation serves as the coordinating program for Maine. In August 2018, Main Street Maine communities launched a
website to share authentic Maine downtown experiences, featuring businesses and attractions in each city and town with the National Main Street designation.
After the "Main Street Project" concluded in 1979, Massachusetts was one of the first six states selected for establishment of a statewide coordinating program. At the time of founding banking industry leaders held two conferences to discuss innovative financing programs.[46] Under the leadership of then Boston Mayor Thomas Menino, a citywide coordinating program was established in Boston. This has since grown to include 22 designated Main Street programs in Boston.[47][48]
Marshall, Marshall Main Street. When the National Trust for Historic Preservation was developing a program for downtown revitalization in the 1970s, Marshall is one of three towns frequently cited as a success story.[49]
A unique approach has been taken in Minnesota to rebrand the Preservation Alliance of Minnesota as "
Rethos" - a 501c3 non-profit that works with Main Street communities but also neighborhood groups, developers, and homeowners.[50]
Winona, in June 1974 a workshop "Heritage is a Verb: a Public Workshop on Historic Preservation" featured Mary Means, field staff, National Trust for Historic Preservation. Following the workshop a tour of the Latsch Building with the committee to Save Historic Winona occurred.[51]
The Mississippi Main Street Association was established in 1984 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization headquartered in
Jackson, Mississippi. Mississippi Main Street serves as the coordinating program for 48 designated Main Street programs in
Mississippi. Thomas Gregory currently serves as the executive director and state coordinator for the Mississippi Main Street Association.[52] Previous state coordinators include Bob Wilson, Beverly Meng, and Scott Barksdale.[53] Below is a list of Mississippi's designated Main Street programs.
Missouri has over 160 commercial districts participating in Missouri Main Street. A state-wide non-profit organization was formed in 2004 and recognizes communities in the following categories: Accredited, Associate, Affiliate, and Aspiring. There are 7 accredited communities with the highest level of designation.[54] Gayla Roten has been State Director since November 2007. She is assisted in that role by a staff of six.[55]
St. Joseph. In 1974 Mary Means then serving as field services for the National Trust for Historic Preservation spoke to a group at the Chamber of Commerce in St. Joseph. This was among the earliest times a suggestion was made to revitalize a commercial area using preservation as a tool. The warehouse area on 4th Street, Francis to Jule St, was recommended "as a possible historical shopping area ripe for development."[56]
Montana Main Street Program was established in 2005 as a collaborative effort between the Community Development Division and the Montana Office of Tourism at the Department of Commerce.[57] Three pilot projects for the program were selected in 2006: Anaconda, Polson, and Red Lodge. Joining them a few years later were Libby, STevensville, Butte, and Livingston to bring the total up to seven.[58] In 2013 Governor Steve Bullock brought together the Community Development Division of the Montana Office of Tourism and the Montana Department of Commerce in a new effort to help revitalize historic downtowns in Montana, after the Montana Main Street Program had been cut in the 2013 Legislative Session. At the time twenty-one communities were participating in the program.[59]
Certified Programs
Butte, Mainstreet Uptown Butte, Inc., member since 2008
Stevensville, Stevensville Main Street Association, member since 2008
Affiliate Programs
Anaconda, Anaconda Main Street Program, selected as one of three pilot projects for the Montana Main Street Program on April 6, 2006.[60]
Polson, Polson CDA - Main Street Project, selected as one of three pilot projects for the Montana Main Street Program on April 6, 2006.[61]
Red Lodge, Red Lodge Economic Development Corporation. Revitalization plan was created in 1986.[62] Selected as one of three pilot projects for the Montana Main Street Program on April 6, 2006.[63]
New Jersey has two
Great American Main Street Award winners: Westfield (2004) and Montclair (2015). Today the
Main Street New Jersey coordinating program is operated by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs in Trenton, New Jersey.
Atlantic City - Atlantic Avenue, Main Street Atlantic City
New York is one of the few states in the US that does not have a state coordinating program officially recognized by Main Street America. That has not prevented a number of communities from pursuing downtown revitalization, with several that have faithfully followed the Main Street Approach.
Cazenovia, When the National Trust for Historic Preservation was developing a program for downtown revitalization in the 1970s, Cazenovia is one of three towns frequently cited as a success story.[64]
Corning,
Gaffer District. Home of Corning Glass Works and the prototype in the 1970s for downtown revitalizations programs that followed nationwide. Cited as an early success story for efforts to revitalize the downtown following a major flood.
Ithaca,
Downtown Ithaca. Mary Means, field staff member of the National Trust for Historic Preservation visited and gave a talk on "Conservation of Townscape" on April 10, 1976.[65]
Medina, Main Street Medina. When the National Trust for Historic Preservation was developing a program for downtown revitalization in the 1970s, Medina is one of three towns frequently cited as a success story.[66]
There are three levels of designation in Oregon: Performing Main Street, Transforming Downtown, and Exploring Downtown. Today they are 64 Main Street programs in Oregon.[67]
After the "Main Street Project" concluded in 1979, Pennsylvania was one of the first six states selected for establishment of a statewide coordinating program.[68] Today the
Pennsylvania Downtown Center, founded in 1987, is the state coordinating program for Pennsylvania.
The South Carolina Downtown Development Association was formed as a private, nonprofit organization in 1984. Five of the original towns in the South Carolina Main Street Program named in 1984 were Sumter, Chester, Union, Lancaster, and Georgetown.[69] In 1985 they were joined by five more towns: Clinton, Beaufort, Gaffney, Greer, and Seneca.[70] Another five cities were named to the program in 1986: Anderson, Bennettsville, Camden, Conway, and Darlington.[71] A call went out in 1999 for "1,000 Friends of South Carolina" to support the ongoing work of the South Carolina Downtown Development Association. That call for supporters reflected on the effectiveness of a grassroots approach to achieve community revitalization over the past 16 years.[72]
One of the three original "Main Street Project" communities was in Hot Springs, South Dakota, from 1977-1979. As of 2021, however, there are no Main Street America designated programs in South Dakota, nor is there an active state coordinating program. Of the downtowns in South Dakota some follow the Main Street Approach, while others are a downtown association or chamber of commerce format.[75]
Deadwood,
Deadwood Chamber of Commerce. Deadwood was one of the earliest communities to receive funding from the National Trust Historic Preservation in support of commercial district revitalization. As a precursor to the Main Street Program, in April 1974 architect Steven Stoltz, of the firm Steffan and Stoltz in Iowa, presented architectural drawings of buildings on Main Street with directions of what would be needed to restore each one. The state provided $15,250 and National Trust another $1,000.[76]
Rapid City,
Downtown Rapid City. It is here that noted preservation expert Donovan Rypkema[77] was an appraiser and owner of the Buell Building at 632 St. Joseph St.[78] Rypkema would go on to have a distinctive career in historic preservation working extensively in the US and Internationally through his
PlaceEconomics and
Heritage Strategies International consulting firms.
After the "Main Street Project" concluded in 1979, Texas one was one of the first six states selected for establishment of a statewide coordinating program. Texas Main Street was established under the Texas Historical Commission and based in Austin, Texas.[79] In 1981, Seguin received a "Resource Team" that spent a week with business and civic leaders, bankers, elected officials, and the newly appointed Main Street Manager. Over the next 3 years plans to rehab several building were aided by a low-interest loan pool established by local banks.[80] Anice Read led the program from the start until she retired in 1996.[81] As of 2021, Debra Drescher leads a 9-person staff serving 88 communities.[82]
La Crosse, Downtown Main Street, Inc., designated 2013. In 1976 the National Trust for Historic Preservation was involved in advocacy for preservation of the old post office in downtown La Crosse and incorporating this into downtown revitalization plans,[84] though these efforts were ultimately unsuccessful.
Sheboygan Falls, Sheboygan Falls Main Street. On April 9, 1975, Mary Means, field staff for the National Trust for Historic Preservation spoke on "Preservation is Good Business" to the Sheboygan Falls Downtown Preservation committee.[85], Main Street program designated 1988.