Main Street Program

In my earlier posts I discussed community marketing campaign's, internet visibility, and what I saw on a walking tour of downtown. I began to brainstorm for some options to strengthen the presence of the Main Street Program in Hillsboro.  After visiting, I realized that there have been projects undertaken by the city in an attempt to restore the square. There have been planters constructed, new benches, a redefined streetscape, and signage added to the streets that are considered to be within historic downtown Hillsboro. After reviewing a few other cities main street redevelopment programs, I concluded that the revitalization efforts of many of these cities were guided by the same basic principles. These principles are the adaption of uniform design standards, organization, promotion, and economic restructuring.  The National Trust for Historic Preservation’s National Main Street Center developed the Main Street Four Point Approach for commercial revitalization. Since that time, some communities have adapted an additional element that focuses on smart growth and sustainability.

As a result, these approaches emphasize the importance of working simultaneously in the following areas:
• DESIGN: Enhancing the physical appearance of the commercial district by rehabilitating historic buildings, encouraging supportive new construction, developing sensitive design management systems, and long-term planning
• ORGANIZATION: Building consensus and cooperation among the many groups and individuals who have a role in the revitalization process
• PROMOTION: Marketing the traditional commercial district's assets to customers, potential investors, new businesses, local citizens and visitors
• ECONOMIC RESTRUCTURING: Strengthening the district's existing economic base while finding ways to expand it to meet new opportunities and challenges from outlying development
• CLEAN, SAFE, and GREEN: Enhancing the perception of a neighborhood through the principles of Smart Growth and sustainability

Although Hillsboro has a program adopted, I feel that the program is not marketed effectively and fails to offer information about the comprehensive strategy of the plan as well as the services that are available to potential businesses that are considering relocation.

Here is link to the State of Washington's guide for organizing a successful main street program.

Successful Downtown Revitalization

Listed below are three examples of  main street program sites that include many of the points that I addressed in the post.

Murfreesboro, TN.

Ripon, WI.

Grandview, MO.