With an average population of 21,714 and an annual average budget of $152,182.90 these 10 Main Street programs have: created nearly 950 new businesses and just under 3000 new jobs; rehabbed more than 1000 buildings; and decreased their vacancy rates by an average of 20 percent. They have also generated an average of $21,404,139.50 in public investment and $42,964,598.77 in private investment. Our ten semifinalists have demonstrated their ability to preserve their unique history while creating and maintaining vibrant, successful commercial districts that serve as the heart of their communities.
Main Street Bath (MSB) has taken a strong leadership role in the successful revitalization of downtown Bath. Successfully managing the progression of multiple entities focusing on various aspects of bath into a unified voice and plan for preservation and economic success. Even before adopting the Main Street Approach, Bath showed great foresight by voting down the plans for “urban renewal” which devastated so many other communities. Effectively working across all four points, MSB has a consistent track record of success and some big wins in design of the community resulting in a more connected and pedestrian friendly downtown. In addition to their preservation success MSB has also been a strong support to local businesses with their innovative “Business Barometer” roundtable program.
Charleston’s East End is one of the only urban districts in West Virginia and has had a familiar uphill battle to survive the flight to suburbs. East End Main Street (EEMS) has taken what was once a blighted, avoided district known only for crime and vacant storefront and transformed it into a thriving destination for residents, businesses and tourists.
This success has been achieved through the strong leadership of EEMS and some innovative partnerships such as their strong connection with the Charleston Urban Renewal Agency (CURA) and the Urban Revitalization (rather than renewal) Plan which has resulted in new standards for historic preservation, redevelopment of property and creating a more walkable and safe business district.
Culpeper, Virginia followed a familiar path with Culpepper Renaissance, Inc (CRI) was created to prevent the potential collapse of downtown buildings and initiating a systematic approach to revitalization. Using the citizen-led preservation effort to save the towns once-bustling town depot from demolition, CRI was able to build strong partnerships with local and state governments as well as other public and private entities to successfully issue $4,000,000 bond to initiate the restoration of downtown Culpepper. CRI’s strong leadership in comprehensive branding, preservation and business development was critical when in 2011 an earthquake (a very rare occurrence on the east coast) forced the closure of several businesses as well as the displacement of several residents from upper floor housing. Despite a significant building being determined too damaged to salvage, the demolition done was done with sensitivity to the neighboring building and materials from the demolished building were saved in order to build a memorial to the building. The strong relationship with and training opportunities provided for businesses will also be a critical factor in recovery.
