What is Main Street?
“Main
Street” is a proven community-driven, comprehensive methodology used to
revitalize older, traditional business districts and urban
neighborhoods throughout the United States. The program on a national
level, was spearheaded by the National Trust for Historic Preservation,
a leading advocate for the historic preservation movement in the U.S
which addresses not only saving historic buildings, but also economic
growth, urban revitalization, and the creation of new jobs.
The Main Street Four-Point Approach is a comprehensive strategy that encompasses four distinct areas:
- Design: Improving the appearance of the downtown
- Economic Restructuring: Helping existing downtown businesses and recruiting new ones
- Organization: Getting stakeholders to work towards the same goal
- Promotion: Communicating the image and promise of Main Street to all prospects
Volunteer-driven
committees under each of these areas work hard to move the program's
initiatives along, forming an effective tool for community-based,
grassroots revitalization.
Main Street Wilmington
is one of eight programs in the state of Delaware that currently follow
the Main Street Methodology.