The Main Street Approach

Across the nation, many towns are discovering that the Main Street approach can bring about dramatic positive change downtown. Main Street encourages economic development within the context of historic preservation.

The Florida Main Street Program is not a grants program. Operating costs for local programs (average budget is $100,000) are the responsibility of the individual programs. Historical Resources Grants-in-Aid funding is awarded to our program partner, the National Main Street Center of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, to provide the consultants services needed for development of local Main Street programs.

The Main Street approach advocates improvements in four areas to create a positive, distinctive image for downtown:

Organization

Working with public and private sector community leaders to develop consensus and coordinate resources to revitalize downtown.

Promotion

Creating and marketing a positive image of downtown through special events, retail sales, effective advertising, and public relations.

Design

Encouraging quality building rehabilitation, signage, public improvements, and window displays to improve the appearance of downtown.

Economic Restructuring

Improving the economic base of downtown by strengthening existing businesses, recruiting new businesses, and filling second floor vacancies.

The Main Street approach also advocates a return to community self-reliance and emphasizes the downtown's traditional assets: personal service, local ownership, unique architecture, and sense of community.