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2012 GAMSA Semifinalists

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.

Learn more about the semifinalists:

 

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.

Havre de Grace, Maryland has certainly had its challenges. From being literally burned to the ground during the war of 1812 to being completely by-passed in the 1960’s due to I-95 leaving downtown bereft of foot traffic and was raised again by Havre de Grace Main Street elevating new initiatives by bringing together the city’s economic development team, tourism and chamber of commerce to create a strong vibrant downtown once again.
Developing through strong business incentives, façade programs that created a domino effect with property owners and reinvigorating events and marketing efforts Havre de Grace Main Street is a strong champion for their businesses and their small brick and mortar businesses. With their ability to create strong and lasting partnerships and a reputation for creating events that result in turning people away, Havre de Grace has turned the corner from being a disgrace to “the meeting place.”

 

 

 In 1974, Urban renewal destroyed Jacksonville, Illinois’ vibrant historic business district making it nearly impossible to survive the big box invasion, national recession and disastrous social trends. With over 60 structures demolished, near elimination of vehicular traffic downtown and selling of public street and building to private investors and a 27% vacancy rate, hope for recovery was low. Using the structure provided by the National Main Street model Jacksonville Main Street was created to provide what many saw and the “last chance” for Jacksonville.
Removing canopies and re-opening streets closed and blocked by urban renewal has been key to the turnaround and restoration of Jacksonville’s historic square to its intended use and design. Mural events, wider sidewalks has all increased shopping, dining and tourism to Jacksonville. If removing the detriment of urban renewal wasn’t enough, JMS has also fostered innovative partnerships to restore pride to neglected areas and raise the bar for improvements. By gathering an unlikely collection of volunteers and leaders, JMS has successfully facilitated what every local expert insisted was hopeless.

 

Portland, Michigan took highway bypasses, a decline in the antiques markets and a chamber president who advocated demolishing historic properties and rebuilding as a solution to the decline and took to Michigan Main Street over 40 enthusiastic stakeholders.  Bringing those stakeholders together and taking a face-to-face, one-on-one approach has resulted in city officials being strong champions, stronger, more informed business owners and has allowed Portland Main Street to be able to see trouble coming and avoid it or be prepared to deal with it.
Consistently viewed as an underdog from their very first effort to be accepted into the Michigan main street program, Portland’s greatest success is their perseverance and staying power. The result has been unprecedented cooperation between private, public, community and residential groups.

 

Russellville, Arkansas touts itself as a “20-year overnight success.” With strong leadership of a diverse cast of board members and others volunteers, Main Street Russellville (MSR) has changed residents perception of downtown and restored a sense of pride in their historic downtown that conveys a sense of who they are. Through innovative volunteer recruitment and strong leadership, MSR has successfully kept their civic presence downtown by preserving a deteriorating Masonic Temple into a “new” city hall and developing a historic district commission in Russellville.
With a non-traditional downtown hosting a major state highway and absent a traditional court square, MSR has spearheaded thoughtful rehabilitation and business recruitment and retention, Russellville has been transformed into something unique rather than following national trend and being generic. Because of MSR, Russellville is someplace, not anyplace.

 

 While Steamboat Springs, Colorado was not broken, it was stagnant until MainStreet Steamboat Springs was created to take the lead in improving downtown. When the nearby Steamboat Ski Area announced plans to update and redevelop itself, downtown businesses recognized the need to update and enhance the downtown to head off businesses deciding to relocate to newer and spiffier locations. Main Street has been a vital advocate for downtown when it would have been easy for the community to devote all its energies to redeveloping the ski area base.
Main Street has been successful in making sure a portion of the redevelopment efforts have included downtown with successful streetscape efforts while also creating new downtown promotions and events to assist businesses throughout the construction phase. Recognizing trends and complementary economic drivers and opportunities to expand business in general and continue to be vibrant year round, Main Street Steamboat Springs has succeeded in taking a just surviving downtown and rebound it back to vibrancy while keeping it’s unique character.

 

 Relocating railroads, malls, and historic floods probably would have made most communities give up. Not Historic Valley Junction in West Des Moines, Iowa. In Historic Valley Junction Main Street was the answer, prompting local businesses and leaders to take a more serious approach to their businesses and the district. From improving streetscapes and numerous façade improvements to increasing the frequency and number of events in Valley Junction. Main Street has succeeded in not only weathering the various storms, but creating a solid foundation to continue to thrive come what may.
With over 65 events, over 150 retail and specialty stores, Historic Valley junction has succeeded in becoming a destination within the Des Moines Metro area. They are successful in both recruiting new businesses and new customers while supporting old favorites that keep people coming back again and again. With strong community support Valley Junction is able to meet their goal of showcasing the balances and possibilities with historic preservation and green sustainable elements.

 

Downtown Washington, Inc is not only a Main Street organization helping small businesses it has also recently become a small business by purchasing, renovating and now operating the post office in Washington. Unlike many Main Street Communities, Washington has not suffered from a major economic decline. Part of the reason is their proactive nature and willingness to take on any project necessary to keep their focus on balancing preservation and economic development while promoting downtown and facilitating positive activities.
Never afraid to lead by example, Downtown Washington, Inc’s volunteers take the lead on creating new promotional activities to help businesses, taking on renovations and helping businesses in downtown thrive. The result has been continuing success of Downtown Washington and reconition from local, state and national designations.