Dahlonega, Georgia © Departamento de Desarrollo Económico de Georgia
Dahlonega Main Street, located in Dahlonega, Georgia, is one of the three winners of the 2016 Great American Main Street Award (GAMSA). Selected by a national jury of community development professionals and leaders in the fields of economic development and historic preservation, the award winners serve as exceptional models for comprehensive, preservation-based commercial district revitalization. The City of Dahlonega and the Dahlonega Main Street program were recognized for efforts to preserve their downtown’s strong sense of place while also expanding economic development opportunities.
Main Street America Program: Dahlonega Main Street
Coordinating Program: Georgia Main Street
Year Organization Founded: 2000
Population: 6,371
Public and Private Reinvestment: $64,739,271
Net New Businesses: 108
Buildings/Structures Rehabilitated: 180
Events like summer concerts in Hancock Park bring 15,000 people downtown annually. © Dahlonega Main Street Program
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“Downtown Dahlonega is a sparkling example of how careful planning, small business support and historic preservation can combine to create a thriving downtown,” says Patrice Frey, President and CEO of Main Street America. “Its downtown district, art galleries, restored theater and courthouse stand out in North Georgia, making Dahlonega a truly distinctive shopping and dining destination and a charming place to call home.”
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Dahlonega Farmers Market hosts dozens of vendors from five adjacent counties. © Dahlonega Main Street Program
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The monthly Awake Until Late shopping event encourages residents to patronize local businesses. © Awake Until Late
Drawn by a charming and walkable downtown, enjoyable restaurants and Southern Appalachian hospitality, downtown Dahlonega is a top destination in the Southeastern United States. Located just 65 miles north of Atlanta and the site of the first U.S. Gold Rush, more than a million visitors travel to Dahlonega (pop. 6,000) every year. With the Main Street Approach as its guide, Dahlonega Main Street uses a combination of tools, including preservation grants, design guidelines and promotion strategies to preserve downtown Dahlonega’s strong sense of place while also expanding economic development opportunities.
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Downtown’s green landscape transforms into an array of bright yellows and reds in Autumn. © Chloe Giancola
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Dahlonega Six Gap Criterium leads cyclists through the heart of downtown. © Lamar Bates
“Dahlonega’s economic success has been built upon our precious historic architecture and resources,” says Dahlonega Mayor Gary McCullough. “Local leaders, partners and stakeholders continue to plan and work diligently to preserve and promote our historic village as an economic center of North Georgia.”
In its 15 years of operation, Dahlonega Main Street distinguished itself as avital downtown partner in several ways. When a fire devastated several businesses in 2014, the organization led the effort to assess the damage, create an action plan and relocate displaced businesses and 40 employees. In partnership with the Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Chamber of Commerce, local and state government agencies, and the University of North Georgia, Dahlonega MainStreet has facilitated 180 building rehabilitations, 108 new business openings and a reduction in retail vacancy rates from 20 percent in 2000 to 5 percent today.