Lansing, Michigan, Honored with 2011 Great American Main Street Award

National Trust for Historic Preservation Praises Leadership in Revitalization at Annual Conference

Posted May 23, 2011 | Contact pr@savingplaces.org or 202-588-6141

The National Trust for Historic Preservation announced today that Old Town Main Street is a winner of the 2011 Great American Main Street Awards® (GAMSA). Recognized as a leader following the Main Street Four-Point Approach®, embracing sound historic preservation ethics and building strategic partnerships, Old Town Main Street was honored at the Main Street Awards Ceremony during the National Main Streets Conference in Des Moines, Iowa.

The National Trust Main Street Center’s annual GAMSA winners are recognized for their exceptional accomplishments in revitalizing the nation’s historic and traditional Main Street commercial districts by using the proven Main Street Four-Point Approach.  Built in the mid-to-late nineteenth century as Lansing’s original downtown, Old Town Lansing fell into a period of neglect and abandonment starting in the 1960s. Since Old Town Main Street’s incorporation in 1996, crime rates in the district have fallen to the lowest in the city, the vacancy rate has dropped from 90% to less than 10%, and it boasts one of the highest concentrations of arts and creative service businesses in Michigan. A diverse pool of committed volunteers, tireless grassroots leaders and an interesting mix of businesses, entertainment and cultural events have helped Old Town Lansing thrive despite the challenging economy.

“Old Town Main Street has transformed a downtrodden urban neighborhood into the premiere arts and entertainment district in Lansing, drawing crowds from across the Midwest to its quirky shops, historic charm and lively events,” says Doug Loescher, director of the National Trust Main Street Center.  “We applaud the organization’s success in forging partnerships, mobilizing residents and plotting what is now a bright future for Old Town.”

The other four winners include Downtown Beloit Association, Beloit, Wis.; Main Street Fort Pierce, Fort Pierce, Fla.; Downtown Newark Partnership, Newark, Del.; and Silver City MainStreet Project, Silver City, N.M.

GAMSA winners demonstrate exemplary achievement in the process of strengthening their downtowns and commercial districts based on the following selection criteria:

• Active involvement of the public and private sectors;
• Broad-based community support for the revitalization effort;
• Quality of achievements over time;
• Innovative solutions to significant problems;
• Commitment to historic preservation;
• Evolving track record of successful commercial district revitalization;
• Comprehensive revitalization effort: activity in all four points of the Main Street Four-Point Approach® to commercial district revitalization;
• Economic impact of the revitalization program; and
• Successful small business development.

The winners were selected by a national jury composed of former award winners, community development professionals, governmental agency representatives who are active in community economic development and historic preservation.

The Main Street Four-Point Approach® is a proven methodology for historic preservation-based economic development that was developed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation 30 years ago and is used in more than 2,000 communities throughout the U.S.