Friday, October 12, 2012

MAIN STREET PROGRAM ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FOR REVITALIZING OREGON DOWNTOWN

Oregon Main Street is accepting applications from organizations interested in receiving downtown revitalization assistance at its Transforming Downtown designation level. Transforming Downtown is for communities who are committed to downtown revitalization using the Main Street Approach(R) but need technical assistance to take them to the next level.

The Oregon Main Street Network also includes "Performing Main Street," "Exploring Downtown," and "Affiliate" levels of participation. Currently, there are 81 communities participating in the network.

Successful applicants receive assistance to help revitalize the economy, appearance, and image of their historic downtown or neighborhood commercial district. Services vary from community to community, but generally include work plan and committee development along with specialized training and networking opportunities.

Transforming Downtown level applications are available at www.oregonheritage.org or by calling Sheri Stuart at 503-986-0679 or email at sheri.stuart@state.or.us.

Visit www.oregonheritage.org for more information on the Oregon Main Street Network, including eligibility and designation criteria for all four levels of assistance. Transforming Downtown level applications must be received by Dec. 5. 

The effort is modeled on the National Trust for Historic Preservation's Main Street Approach(R), which has been used in more than 2,000 cities nationwide to recapture business interest and vitality in downtown areas.  This approach emphasizes four critical areas of downtown revitalization: organization helps everyone work towards the same goals and maximizes involvement of public and private leaders within the community; promotion brings people back downtown by helping to attract visitors, shoppers, and investors; design enhances a districts appearance and pedestrian amenities while preserving its historic features; and economic restructuring stimulates business development and helps strengthen the districts economic base.

Oregon Main Street services are part of Oregon Heritage, which is located in the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.

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