Do you Remember how Vibrant Downtown was in the Past?

• Up until the second half of the 20^th century, virtually everything that people needed was downtown. 
• You went to shop for food, clothes and all your daily needs downtown.
• Downtowns were vibrant and exciting places to be.
• The people, businesses, economy and interest are gone from downtown.
• AND … in many cased the buildings will be gone if nothing is done to reverse the situation.
• Fortunately, many cities have been working hard to focus energy on turning around the decline of their downtown.

Historic Downtowns are Unique and Appealing

• Downtowns have a uniqueness that can be used to appeal to people.  Chain stores and malls have a generic quality that could be anywhere in the country.
• Relatively little investment is required to revitalize the infrastructure of downtowns when compared to creating a new development.
• Consumers enjoy a “shopping experience” and enjoy visiting historic places. 
• Downtowns will generally not be able to offer the goods and services they did 20-30 years ago.
• Competition with large retailers who have lower prices will continue.
• Creative, unique, enticing opportunities will bring people back to shop, work and live.
• Creating reasons for people to come downtown is the beginning of a healthy economy.

In 1977, the National Trust for Historic Preservation Introduced the Main Street Program as a Structure for Downtown Revitalization.

The Main Street Program is basis on the “Four Point Approach.”

Organization, Design, Promotion and Economic Restructuring.

Organization:  Focuses on getting people working toward the same goals.   This involves a volunteer driven organizational structure with a board and committees, working in conjunction with a Main Street Manager.

Design:  Focuses on the physical aspects of downtown.  Capitalizing on the best assets and improving the visual appeal of historic buildings and traditional downtown layouts with good sidewalks and lighting plus organized parking and signs.

Promotion:  Focuses on the marketing of downtown.  By pointing out the unique characteristics, promoting a positive image and holding events that bring people to Main Street, the perception of downtown will improve.

Economic Restructuring: Focuses on improving the economic climate.  This involves helping existing businesses to expand, recruiting new ones for the changing market and finding ways to change underused buildings into productive property.