Board Spotlight: Meet Main Street America’s Three New Board Members
We are excited to welcome Lynda Tran, Tyrone Rachal, and Mary Helmer Wirth to the Main Street America Board of Directors
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The City of Boston Mayor’s Office of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion (OEOI) and Boston Main Streets Foundation are incredibly excited to co-host the 2023 Main Street Now Conference alongside Main Street America in Boston, Massachusetts, from March 27-29. Get to know us and our city of Main Streets through this final article of the conference blog series! Keep reading to learn more about each Boston Main Streets district.
Pre-registration is closed. Limited on-site registration is available on a first come, first served basis. Check out the conference website and follow the conference's Facebook and Twitter accounts for the latest updates.
The City of Boston is home to 20 Main Streets districts! As you prepare your visit to Boston for Main Street Now 2023, check out the top recommendations from each of our Main Streets. There is so much to see, learn, explore, taste, and enjoy across our neighborhood districts. Welcome to Boston!
Mattapan Square Main Street
Come enjoy a day in Mattapan! Stop by the two statues that honor the heritage of the Mattahunt Tribe. The Mattapan Square Main Street district represents a balanced mixture of rooted tradition and revitalized culture in its ever-changing, strong, commercial community.
- Enjoy the diversity of Mattapan by enjoying authentic Jamaican and Caribbean Fusion food at Mello Vibez.
- Franklin Park Zoo enjoy Boston's largest open space, hike trails, and history.
- Chez Vous Roller Skating is a fun location to lace up your skates or unwind.
- Take the Mattapan Trolley, a historic streetcar that will transport you for a scenic ride from Greater Ashmont (Red Line on the MBTA) through Mattapan and along the Neponset River.
Washington Gateway Main Street
Home to some of Boston’s most creative and unique shops, Washington Gateway has established itself as both a foodie destination and a welcoming neighborhood to live in.
- Experience Washington Gateways art scene at Boston Sculptors Gallery, Kingston Gallery, International Poster Gallery, Galatea Fine Art, and the Abigail Ogilvy Gallery.
- Grab a drink at Boston's oldest Irish Pub, the historic JJ Foley’s.
- Get a taste of some of the highest quality local and imported Spanish & Portuguese seafood at Atlantico.
East Boston Gateway Main Street
East Boston is at the Northeast of the City of Boston and home of Logan International Airport. Great places to see in East Boston:
- Take in stunning views from Piers Park. This park has some of the best views of the Boston skyline and Boston Harbor.
- Escape to the Belle Isle Reservation, Boston’s last remaining salt marsh. This reservation is a favorite among bird watchers with its various lookout points.
- Explore Constitution Beach, a great place to walk, sit, and relax, and watch airplanes come and go.
- Visit the Madonna Shrine on top of a Hill, which was founded in 1954. It is a replica of the original Madonna statue in Rome and was shipped to East Boston.
East Boston has also been home to many immigrant communities, most recently from Italy, Mexico, and Central America. Check out some favorite restaurants in East Boston representing these communities:
- Italian: Rino's Place, Pazza on Porter, Reelhouse, Santarpio's Pizza
- Mexican: Angela's Café, Etnias Bar & Grill, La Hacienda (Mexican/Salvadorian)
- Colombian: El Peñol
Three Squares Main Street
Three Squares Main Street is alive with music in the streets, outdoor performances, colorful storefronts, and smells of delicious food from its restaurants. This area historically was influenced by industry and innovation, as well as the entrepreneurial spirit of German, Irish, and Caribbean Spanish-speaking immigrants. Check out these places:
- Visit Boston's Latin Quarter and experience great food shopping and culture with a melting pot of goodness.
- Visit Three Square's Entrepreneurial think tank: The Possible Zone, a unique innovative STEAM LAB built to create business leaders supported by marketing, branding, product design, and business plans.
Nubian Square Main Street
Nubian Square is the primary commercial center of the Roxbury neighborhood located at the intersection of Dudley Street and Washington Street. It has long been the center of African American culture in Boston.
- In the mood for Southern food? Stop by Soleil, where they offer a warm and friendly atmosphere, and every customer is treated like family!
- Need a pick-me-up? Check out Dudley Café! Based out of the historic Ferdinand building, their vision is to create a community that fosters arts, music, and youth empowerment.
- For authentic African cuisine made with love, stop by Suya Joint!
West Roxbury Main Street
From Back Bay, go a few short stops on the Needham Line of the MBTA Commuter Rail to Boston’s historic West Roxbury neighborhood.
- Shop a curated selection of locally made gifts paired with baked goods and tea at Pretty Moon Mercantile and Tea Bar (111 Park Street, West Roxbury).
- Try a famous bramble cookie at Sugar Baking Co. (1884 Centre Street, West Roxbury).
- Visit one of West Roxbury’s Irish Pubs and Bars and find a wide selection of international cuisine and restaurants.
- Stroll through historic sites, such as the Theodore Parker Unitarian Church and Westerly Burial Grounds.
- If you’re looking to get in exercise and additional tours of Boston’s neighborhoods at the same time, rent Boston’s BlueBike and come to West Roxbury via the Boston Greenway and Emerald Necklace with side trip options through the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University (bordering West Roxbury, Roslindale, and Jamaica Plain) and other local parks and bike paths.
Roslindale Village Main Street
RVMS was established in 1985 as one of the first urban Main Street Programs in the nation! Roslindale Village is a thriving commercial hub, with free public Wi-Fi in Adams Park, and a fabulous farmers market. Here are some great places to check out while you’re there:
- Check out the local shops! Birch St House & Garden is a gift shop with a wide selection from toys to home decor made by local & fair-trade designers. Joanne Rossman: Purveyor of the Unnecessary and Irresistible is a playful gift shop specializing in unusual items from scarves to candies plus occasional live events.
- Check out a show! Square Root is a cafe with breakfast, lunch, and late-night offerings with live music and performances throughout the week. The Rozzie Square Theater is an improv theater with classes, comedy shows, and magic shows.
- Grab lunch! Square Root, Fornax Bread Company, Jimmies Cafe, Effie’s, and Roslindale Market & Deli all have great lunch options.
Upham's Corner Main Street
Upham’s Corner is a thriving retail district in the heart of Boston’s Dorchester neighborhood and is one of the most diverse neighborhoods in the city. Residents from the neighborhood and beyond come to enjoy many shops, services, restaurants, and cultural performances.
- Whether you are stopping by to shop or you are a regular in the district, Upham’s Corner offers a rich mix of dining options to satisfy any palate, a variety of retail shops, beautiful historic buildings and landmarks, and an arts and culture experience – home to the famous historic Strand Theatre.
- Nestled in Upham's Corner is the brand-new Comfort Kitchen – the place to be! A cozy café by day and a 30-seat restaurant by night with a full bar. They are a Black-owned, immigrant-owned, and woman-owned business and their food is a celebration of the ingredients and flavors of the African diaspora – global comfort food – connected from Asia to the Americas.
- For Caribbean food traditional pizzeria food, look no further than Navarette Pizzeria!
Hyde Park Main Street
The Hyde Park Main Street district stands by its motto of “a small town in the city,” by shining a light on the historic qualities and local businesses of the neighborhood. From a spacious green space to a lively industrial area, Hyde Park continues to represent a welcoming environment for the people of Boston.
- George Wright Golf Course, designed by legendary Donald Ross, is a famous public golf course not only in Boston but in the country.
- Ron’s Gourmet Ice Cream & Bowling is a family-owned establishment where Hillary Clinton once visited. Its ice cream has won many awards including Best of Boston 2021, ranked top 3 in the World in National Geographic, and #3 in America on Good Morning America. Try out candlepin style bowling, a popular New England tradition!
- Many delicious restaurants of different cultures: Antonio’s Bacari, Las Delicias Colombianas, Park 54 Restaurant, Rincon Caribeno Restaurant, and ZaZ Restaurant.
- Camp Meigs is a former training camp for the first African American troops, including the 54th Regiment, in the Civil War.
Fields Corner Main Street
Fields Corner is a historic commercial district in Dorchester, the largest neighborhood in Boston and was founded in June 1630. Look beyond the shops to find the well-known regional housing type – the “Three-Decker.” Today, Fields Corner is a diverse community and boasts of having the largest variety of Asian restaurants, goods, and services outside of Chinatown.
- Looking to try some Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine? Check out Pho Hoa! For sweet treats, visit Coco Leaf, the first premium Vietnamese dessert cafe chain founded in New England with the mission to bring the community together with a cup of coffee, sweet chè dessert, and other delicious treats.
- Stop by The Blarney Stone, a gem of Dorchester Avenue, to enjoy modern cocktails and craft beers.
- Check out the Dorchester Art Project, a community driven art space that provides a unique space for emerging artists.
Mission Hill Main Street
Mission Hill is a tight-knit, urban, thriving community where one can engage, learn, grow, and participate in a rich cultural setting.
- Visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help as it is the only basilica in New England and in 1869, the first Black Catholic bishop of America was installed.
- Stroll through the Kevin W. Fitzgerald Park for fantastic views of the City of Boston and the beautiful landscape for memorable photos to take home.
- Visit Tavern of Tales (TOTs) the first game pub in Massachusetts for all of you table-top gamers!
Brighton Main Street
Families, young professionals, and students all make Brighton their home because of its small town feel with big city amenities. Historic homes and “triple-deckers” line the streets of this charming neighborhood, located in the northwest corner of Boston. Brighton Main Streets business district has strived to maintain its attractive, vibrant, and pedestrian-friendly commercial center. Check these places out while you’re there:
- Dine out at one of Brighton’s favorites, like The Stockyard Restaurant, a Boston landmark for over 40 years; Devlin's Bistro and Bar Restaurant, a go-to for popular drinks and live music; or order some seasonal and globally-inspired small plates at The Brighton Bodega.
- Stop by The Speedway, a new destination to shop, eat, and drink, with historic buildings and a central courtyard and event space. Check out their events calendar for live music, night markets, and more!
- Visit the new development around Boston Landing, with lots of shops and places to eat, including a new beer hall at Broken Records. Don’t pass up the New Balance flagship store and track, or the Warrior Ice Arena - practice rink for the Boston Bruins and home of the Boston Pride.
JP Centre/South Main Street
Enjoy Boston’s Emerald Necklace at Jamaica Pond and Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University, and then finish your day by strolling Centre and South Streets in Jamaica Plain. Filled with quirky and innovative shops, eateries, and other business models, Jamaica Plain prides itself on having something for everyone.
- See America’s oldest community theater at the Footlight Club, or The Eliot School of Fine & Applied Arts, established in 1690. You can visit The BYTE Shop, a vintage computer museum.
- Shop local at Papercuts Bookshop for local authors and local publishing, and discover vintage treasures at 40 South, Boomerangs, Diversity Consignment, and The Goodwill Store.
- Try the sushi at JP Seafood Cafe or the vegan ice cream at FoMu. Or you can have dairy ice cream at J.P. Licks flagship store. Finally, eat dinner at VeeVee or Ten Tables, where local chefs rely on local ingredients to bring amazing food to your table. Take in the vegetarian arepas at Juicygreens or nut-free pastries at Monumental Market.
Four Corners Main Street
Four Corners is the junction of Washington, Bowdoin, and Harvard Streets in the Dorchester neighborhood. It has a vibrant, healthy, and active commercial district with plenty of great restaurants and shops to check out!
- Looking to try some authentic Jamaican food? Check out Murl’s Kitchen or Island Style Jamaican Restaurant.
- If you are looking for Dominican cuisine, look no further than Santo Domingos, a staple of the Four Corners community!
- Center yourself and take time for physical wellness at 4 Corners Yoga + Wellness and Healthworks Community Fitness. Stop by OASIS Vegan Veggie Parlor afterward and check out their delicious vegan menu.
Allston Village Main Street
Surrounded by colleges, universities, and restaurants serving up ethnic cuisines, Allston Village is at the core of Boston’s most diverse communities. Rich in vibrant street art and historic concert venues, Allston Village Main Streets constantly supports its neighborhood in an effort to sustain its strong culture and community.
- Allston is home to many immigrant-owned businesses offering tastes from around the globe. Dine at Ariana Restaurant for flavors from Afghanistan!
- Enjoy craft beer and daily brunch at Lulu’s Allston or shop vintage clothing, jewelry, and records at Vivant Vintage.
- Check out one of the many live music and entertainment venues in Allston. Plan a karaoke night at Stage Karaoke or see a show at the Brighton Music Hall.
Greater Ashmont Main Street
Greater Ashmont is a culturally diverse, vibrant district with a rich history and a thriving social scene. Located in Boston’s Dorchester neighborhood, the Greater Ashmont Main Street district is a great place to shop, dine, and locate a business. Check these out:
- American Provisions, a one-stop shop for hand-selected artisan cheeses and cured meats to natural wine, curated spirits, and craft beer. American Provisions is a pair of small, neighborhood shops committed to creating community through real food.
- Need a pick-me up? Conveniently located across the street from Ashmont station you will find Ripple Cafe!
- Looking for authentic Italian cuisine? Check out Tavolo for some fresh cocktails, craft beers and worldly wines.
Chinatown Main Street
Boston's Chinatown is the third largest Chinatown in the United States, home to a diverse community of Chinese, Vietnamese, African-American, White, and Hispanic businesses and people.
- Enter the neighborhood by the China Trade Gate, a large piafong archway on Beach Street. A bamboo-lined walkway runs through the modern gardens and the plaza is often populated by locals engaged in Xiangqi (Chinese chess).
- Chinatown has lots of options when it comes to Dim Sum! Try Empire Garden Restaurant, a classic spot set in a former Vaudeville theater and a favorite for Peking duck; Hei La Moon, a sprawling two-floor modern location, or enjoy the expansive menu at Windsor Dim Sum Cafe.
- Experience Boston’s fusion scene at Cafe Darq, Double Chin Restaurant, or Shojo.
Grove Hall Main Streets
At the intersection of Blue Hill Avenue, Washington and Warren Streets, Grove Hall links Dorchester and Roxbury. Grove Hall’s residential and commercial growth increased in 1870 after Dorchester was annexed to Boston, and became the heart of one of the city’s busiest commercial streets!
- Experience authentic African fashion and a wide array of laces, georges, Ankara fabrics at Elegance African Fashion. They really put the “fun” in functional fashion!
- Sweet Teez Bakery – started in 2016 by a local mom in the Dorchester area, Teresa Thompson Maynard – caters to customers with nut-free needs, but can be enjoyed by all.
- Within Franklin Park you will find the historic Franklin Park Zoo, home to more than 1,100 individual animals.
Egleston Square Main Street
Nestled between Roxbury and Jamaica Plain, Egleston Square brings together two neighborhoods under one big community. Stop by these paces while during your visit:
- Check out the Haven, Boston’s only Scottish establishment, for unique cuisine and a large selection of Scottish beers. For authentic homestyle Dominican food made with love, visit the family-owned La Parada Dominican Kitchen for breakfast, lunch, or early dinner. Or check out Boston's only video rental store, micro-batch coffee roaster, full-service coffee shop, and 24-seat microcinema, The VU!
- Stop by Sam Adams Boston Brewery for a taste of history and a free tour!
- Looking for soul-nourishing pastries, and delectable coffee and tea? Try Ula Cafe!
Bowdoin Geneva Main Streets
Located in Meeting House Hill, one of the oldest sections of Dorchester, the area dates back to Boston’s first settlement in 1630. The neighborhood is now home to many new Bostonians. Bowdoin/Geneva’s businesses represent all generations of Dorchester residents past and present, from Caribbean restaurants to a 50-year-old hardware store. Discover some of the best ethnic restaurants in Boston.
- Visit Dorchester’s Geneva Cliffs, one of the only 29 Urban Wilds in the City of Boston. Nature in the neighborhood!
- Check out Restaurante Cesaria, a business that couples authentic and unique dining experiences with contemporary and ethnic entertainment. The mission is not only to have great tasting Cape Verdean food but have efficient and friendly service.
- Stop by Pollo Lounge and Grill for authentic Dominican cuisine and one of the best chicken sandwiches in the whole City.
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Don't miss your chance to submit a proposal for the 2024 Main Street Now conference!
Due Soon: 2024 Main Street Now Conference Session Proposals
Don't miss your chance to share your expertise with attendees in Birmingham, Alabama!
Community Spotlight: Downtown Wytheville Meets Downtown Florence
Leaders from a Virginia Main Street program traveled to South Carolina to learn from another award-winning community.
© Jenny Boulware
Registration Now Open: Supporting Small Businesses on Main Street Online Course
This three-week live, online course will prepare local leaders to more effectively work with small business owners in their districts and create an environment that is supportive of entrepreneurship.
© Notice Pictures
Submit a Session Proposal: 2024 Main Street Now Conference
Share you perspective and expertise at the 2024 Main Street Now Conference in Birmingham, Alabama, on May 6-8.
Last Chance: Register for 2023 Community Transformation Workshop Today!
Don't miss your opportunity to participate in this exciting educational opportunity!
Announcing Erin Barnes as Our Next President and CEO
We are excited to announce that Erin Barnes has been chosen as our next President and CEO. Learn more about her career.
Recordings Now Available: Summer School Webinar Series
The recordings of our Summer School Webinar Series are now available in the Knowledge Hub!
Last Chance to Apply for the 2024 Great American Main Street Award
Don't miss your opportunity to showcase your community's achievements!
Call for Proposals: 2024 Main Street Now Conference
Share your ideas for exciting and innovative sessions at the 2023 Main Street Now Conference!
Main Spotlight: Beat the Heat This Summer Using Downtown Design
Learn how you can harness design principles and strategies to create a cooler, more welcoming downtown.
Starting Next Week: Summer School Webinar Series
Join us for a three-part webinar series revisiting some of the most popular sessions from the 2023 Main Street Now Conference
One Month Left to Apply for the 2024 Great American Main Street Award
Don't miss your opportunity to showcase your community's achievements!
Sheridan, WY © Downtown Sheridan Association
Join us: Summer School Webinar Series Revisiting Top Conference Topics
Join us for a three-part webinar series revisiting some of the most popular sessions from the 2023 Main Street Now Conference
T‑Mobile Hometown Grant Program Reaches 200 Winners
Meet the newest recipients of the T-Mobile Hometown Grants, reaching a milestone of 200 towns impacted by the program.
Now Accepting Applications: 2024 Great American Main Street Award
Nominate your community for this prestigious award recognizing excellence in commercial district revitalization.
Sheridan, WY © Downtown Sheridan Association
Small Town Spark: Exhibitions Celebrating Innovation in Rural Towns Uplift the Main Street Movement
We are excited to share a recent collaboration with Spark! Places of Innovation, a traveling exhibition curated by the Smithsonian Institution’s Museum on Main Street program.
Washington, D.C. © Rizka
Get a Sneak Peek at the 2023 Community Transformation Workshop
Learn how to tackle complex revitalization scenarios with our Community Transformation Workshop, October 2-3 in Vancouver, WA.
Vancouver, WA © Vancouver Downtown Association
Register Today: 2024 Great American Main Street Award Application Webinar
Thinking about applying for the 2024 Great American Main Street Award? Tune in to the application webinar on June 21!
Florence, SC © Downtown Florence Main Street Program
Board Spotlight: Welcoming Jenice Contreras to the Main Street America Board of Directors
We are excited to welcome Jenice Contreras to the Main Street America Board of Directors. Jenice has a long record of leadership across community and economic development with deep experience with equitable growth, small-scale development, and cultural preservation.
Cleveland, OH © DJ Johnson
Registration Now Open: 2023 Community Transformation Workshop in Vancouver, Washington
Join Main Street America experts in Vancouver, Wash., to gain first-hand experience in harnessing transformation strategies to successfully revitalize your Main Street!
Vancouver, WA © Vancouver Downtown Association
Main Spotlight: Announcing the 2023 Main Street America Designated Communities and Reinvestment Impact of Local Programs in 2022
We are excited to announce that 862 Main Street programs across the country have earned Accredited status, Main Street America’s top level of recognition.
Metuchen, NJ © Lauren Beischer
Congratulations to the 2023 MSARP Recipients!
The MSARP credential is the highest level of achievement offered through the Main Street America Institute, requiring dedication to completing a rigorous curriculum of online courses, readings, assignments, workshops, and a challenging final exam.
Connecting and Gathering in a City of Main Streets at Main Street Now 2023
Over the course of three days, nearly 1900 Main Streeters from near and far gathered for dynamic educational sessions, immersive mobile workshops, and network-building activities.
Main Spotlight: Introducing Shop Main Street
Check out our new shop featuring clothing and apparel, accessories, home and office goods, and kids’ and baby items inspired by the Main Street Movement.
Just Announced: John Bry Named 2023 Mary Means Leadership Award Recipient
Main Street America is proud to recognize John Bry, Program Coordinator at Main Street Oakland County (MSOC) in Michigan, as the 2023 Mary Means Leadership Award recipient.
Main Spotlight: Announcing the 2023 Great American Main Street Award Winners
Meet the three communities who were honored with this prestigious award!
Roslindale Village: 38 Years at the Vanguard of Building Resiliency and Reimagining Spaces
Explore the resiliency and future-focused mindset of Roslindale Village Main Street, one of the first urban Main Street Programs in the nation.
Peak Immersive Learning: A Snapshot of Mobile Workshops Main Street Now 2023
Preview a selection of the 12 unique mobile workshops on offer at Main Street Now 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts.
A vendor serves beverages at the Roslindale Summer Farmers Market in 2022. © Bruce Spero Photography
Main Spotlight: Introducing the Main Street Foundations Series
We’re excited to announce a new suite of resources designed for Main Street! The Main Street Foundations Series provides an overview of each Point through four comprehensive introductory videos, one-page guides, materials from our resource center, and more.
Main Spotlight: Top 7 Blog Posts of 2022
From the ongoing pivots needed to meet changing community needs to the timeless power of place, these are the most popular blog posts we published this year.
What Mary Means to Me
Todd Wolford, executive director of Downtown Wytheville Inc and recipient of the 2022 Mary Means Leadership Award, reflects on his Main Street career.
Main Spotlight: Reflections from the 2022 Community Transformation Workshop in Wyoming
Jackie Swihart, Program Officer for MSA, shares some key takeaways from the three-day event.
Laramie, WY © Main Street America
Main Spotlight: 30 Years of Dynamic Growth Across Illinois Main Street
Illinois Main Street's work over the last 30 years and the exciting projects they are planning in the future.
Alton, IL © Alton Main Street
Main Spotlight: Farmers Markets as a Transformation Strategy for Main Streets
Learn how Main Streets from California to Florida have used Farmers Markets to transform their communities and achieve Main Street goals.
Main Spotlight: Nine Years at Main Street — Lessons and Reflections
At the Opening Plenary at the Main Street Now Conference in Richmond, Virginia, Patrice Frey shared lessons and reflections from her past nine years at Main Street.
Farewell from Patrice Frey, President and CEO, Main Street America
Outgoing President and CEO Patrice Frey closes out her tenure at Main Street America and transitions into a new role.
Main Spotlight: Announcing the 2022 Main Street America Designated Communities and 2021 Reinvestment Statistics
Main Street America congratulates our 2022 designated communities and explores the impact of the Main Street Movement.
Toccoa, GA © Steph Maley
Main Spotlight: Reflections on the Evolution of Main Street
Mary Means, founder of the Main Street Movement, reflects on her experiences at Main Street Now 2022 and shares advice for local leaders.
Announcing the 2022 Great American Main Street Award Winners
Meet the winners of this award recognizing Main Street excellence.
Community Spotlight: Welcoming Parramore to Orlando Main Streets!
Meet Parramore, a historically African-American community in Orlando, Florida.
Orlando, FL © Tyla Harrington
Community Spotlight: Women Leaders Series — Week Four
Each week this Women's History Month, Main Street America is spotlighting the stories of women leaders in local and coordinating Main Street programs.
Community Spotlight: Women Leaders Series — Week Three
Each week this Women's History Month, Main Street America is spotlighting the stories of women leaders in local and coordinating Main Street programs.
Community Spotlight: Women Leaders Series — Week Two
Each week this Women's History Month, Main Street America is spotlighting the stories of women leaders in local and coordinating Main Street programs.
Community Spotlight: Women Leaders Series — Week One
Each week this Women's History Month, Main Street America is spotlighting the stories of women leaders in local and coordinating Main Street programs.
INVEST South/West Chicago Reaches Two-year Milestone
Main Street America's partners in Chicago celebrate two years of training and technical assistance in the city.
Chicago, IL © Main Street America
Main Spotlight: Better Community Planning & Economic Development Series with Ed McMahon
Leverage NC, a partnership between North Carolina Main Street and the North Carolina League of Municipalities, hosted a four-part webinar series titled Better Community Planning & Economic Development led by Ed McMahon, Chair Emeritus of Main Street America and a leading national authority on land use policy and economic development.
Community Spotlight: Main Street America’s Field Team Gets Back on the Road
After many zoom meetings, our road warriors are back visiting communities and providing technical assistance.
Washington, IA © Kathy La Plante
2020 Year in Review: A Letter to the Network
President and CEO Patrice Frey reflects on 2020 and the early events of 2021.
Florence, SC © True Light Photography
HartBeat of Main Street Grant Program: First Round Recipient Spotlights
These 67 recipients from across the country ranged from bakeries and boutiques to salons and museums, but they all shared a commitment to the program's goals of responding and adapting to the COVID-19 pandemic and helping to revitalize and strengthen older and historic downtown commercial districts.
New Research from Brookings and the National Main Street Center on the Value of Main Street Organizations
The Brookings Bass Center for Transformative Placemaking released a new series of research briefs focused on the role that place governance organizations, like Main Street programs, play in revitalizing rural downtowns and promoting equitable rural economic and community development.
Congratulations to the 2020 MSARP Recipients!
Meet the latest graduates of our certificate program for leaders in commercial district revitalization.
Main Spotlight: Developing a Toolbox to Help Manage Growth on Main Street
Georgetown has developed a strong Downtown Master Plan that helps serve as a guide-point for planning efforts in downtown
Announcing the 2020 Mary Means Leadership Award Recipient
Meet Sharon Jablonski, the Director of Morganton Main Street in Morganton, North Carolina, and the first recipient of the Mary Means Leadership Award.
Announcing the 2020 Great American Main Street Award Winners
Congratulations to these Main Street programs for their fantastic work!
Community Spotlight: Missouri Main Street Connection Leads the Iowa Community Expedition
Missouri Main Street Connection (MMSC) had the opportunity to take Missouri Executive Directors and other community representatives on the Iowa Community Expedition
District Spotlight: Pontiac, Michigan
In response, UrbanMain and Main Street Oakland County joined forces in March 2018 to assist Pontiac stakeholders in putting their downtown organization back on a positive track, making Pontiac the first community in Michigan to participate in the UrbanMain initiative.
2018 Partners in Preservation: Main Streets Winning Sites
American Express, the National Trust for Historic Preservation and Main Street America announced the winners of the 2018 Partners in Preservation: Main Streets campaign.
2018 Community Transformation Workshop Recap
An essential component of the Main Street America Institute, the three-day in-person workshop gives participants hands-on tools to enact revitalization projects in their communities.
A Statewide Movement Improving West Virginia Main Streets
Since 2013, Try This West Virginia has sought to improve health environments in local communities as a collaboration of organizations working together to combat the health challenges facing West Virginians.
Community Spotlight: Main Street Hampton
Main Street Hampton hosted a Food and Friends Farm-to-Table dinner at the Rustic Brew during Main Street Iowa Restaurant Week.
Community Spotlight: Partners in Preservation 2018
From community gathering spaces to retail incubators, from small towns to big cities – this year’s projects and communities are a testament to the diversity of Main Streets across the country.
Community Spotlight: Ames, Iowa
Downtown Ames hosted a festival for the 46th annual RAGBRAI race (The Register's Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa).
7 Ways To Bring Your Main Street On Screen
You don’t need to be a big-name district to make a video that goes viral; you just need to know what you’re doing.
Comcast Newsmakers: Revitalizing Downtown
Matt Wagner, National Main Street Center's Vice President of Revitalization Programs, discusses competitive advantages, incrementalism and the power of the Main Street America network
Community Spotlight: Main Street Homer, Louisiana
Main Street Homer (Homer, Louisiana) was awarded a $25,000 A Community Thrives social impact grant from Gannett/USA Today Network to create an arts center with affordable artist studios and classroom/event space.
Evolution, Acceptance, and Change: The Main Street Approach as a Catalyst for Revitalization
Nearly slated for demolition 30 years ago, downtown Cedar Falls has experienced an amazing transformation through its revitalization journey using the Main Street Approach.
Main Street Roots Run Deep in Downtown Wytheville
Since starting as Executive Director, Todd has helped the organization achieve Virginia Main Street Designation Status and national Accreditation.
Announcing the 2018 Great American Main Street Award Winners
The National Main Street Center, Inc., announced Downtown Oregon City, Rock Springs Main Street/Urban Renewal Agency, and Howell Main Street as the 2018 Great American Main Street Award (GAMSA) winners during its annual conference in Kansas City, Missouri.
Main Streets in Action
We rolled out four new Main Street America videos highlighting the power of the Main Street movement, Main Street Approach, economic impact of Main Street, and the incredible volunteers that make Main Street's grassroots network so effective.
Community Spotlight: Ridgefield Main Street
Ridgefield Main Street is an energetic, up-and-coming Washington Main Street program located just north of Vancouver, Washington.
Want to do something big? Start small.
A series of small, incremental improvements, when taken together, provide momentum for long-term economic transformation and improved quality of life in a community.
Michigan Main Street Refresh Implementation: The Refresh from Our Communities’ Perspective
Here's a bit of background on each of the communities. Read on for the Refresh Implementation Q&A.
Announcing the 2017 Great American Main Street Award Winners
The National Main Street Center, Inc. announced the 2017 Great American Main Street Award (GAMSA) during its annual conference in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
The Reality of Main Street — Letter from the President
The National Main Street Center and the Brookings Institution have jointly authored a response to Mr. Hyman’s piece, The Reality of Main Street, that is featured on Brookings’ blog.
Michigan Main Street Refresh Implementation: Our Process and Lessons Learned So Far
Michigan Main Street Center was the first Coordinating Program to implement the new Main Street approach on a large scale. In this article, they share their robust process and valuable lessons.
The Reality of Main Street
There is another way for smaller communities to compete in today’s economy and we believe a strong main street strategy is at the heart of it.
The Myth of Main Street? Letter from the President
Letter from past MSA President, Patrice Frey
The Lowdown in Downtown LaBelle
Fritz the dog has made his way into the hearts of the residents of LaBelle, Florida, and helped our Main Street Community find a way to make what we do more noticeable.
Strategic Planning Through Transformation Strategies – Saline, Michigan
Back in October 2015, we introduced the three key components of the refreshed Main Street Approach: inputs, outputs and Community Transformation Strategies.
Revitalization and Main Street Transformation
For a lucky few downtowns, greatness may happen effortlessly with a strong sense of place that seems to develop organically and simply sustain itself. For most places, success doesn’t happen by chance.
Revisit Your Community’s Unique Assets: Connecting Asset-Based Economic Development to Community Transformation Strategies
This need for change results from the heavy emphasis on three components of the refreshed Main Street Approach.
The 2016 Great American Main Street Award Winners
The 2016 winners are a diverse group in geography and character, but together demonstrate the broad applicability of the Main Street Approach:
Main Street Nation Radio
The first official show under the Main Street Nation banner aired in June 2015 on WJR-760 AM Detroit.
The Path To The Future
The economic value of historic preservation on Main Street.
Refresh Demonstration Project Sites: Learning Labs for the Updated Main Street Approach
A series of demonstration projects providing the opportunity to test new strategies on the ground, learn from practitioners, and refine the approach.
Why Business Retention and Expansion Plans are Important for Downtowns
A business retention and expansion plan, properly implemented, not only helps keep businesses open but possibly even helps them expand.
Wisconsin Main Street: 27 Years of People, Places and Progress
While there have been over $1.2 billion in public and private investment in Wisconsin Main Street communities over the past 27 years, what really makes it special are the people and places that have been involved.
Pop-Up Art Tour
Main Street Bartow's empty storefronts become pop-up art galleries to promote economic development.
A Walk Through Rehoboth Beach Main Street
Although a “beach town,” Rehoboth Beach is open 365 days a year, and with that has the unique challenge of catering to both year-round residents and tourists within a wide range of ages, interests and economic levels
Independent We Stand Makes Main Streets a Priority
In communities across the country, hardworking business owners and buy local advocates come together to foster an organized effort to reinvent and revitalize Main Streets and downtown districts.
Announcing the 2015 Great American Main Street Award Winners
The National Main Street Center is pleased to announce that Cape Girardeau, Mo., Montclair Center, N.J., and Rawlins, Wyo. were selected as the 2015 Great American Main Street Award® (GAMSA) winners.
