Downtown Fremont
Downtown Fremont adopted the Main Street Program approach to revitalize Fremont's Historical Downtown District
About the Main Street Program:
In 1977, the National Trust for Historic Preservation undertook a demonstration project in three small Midwestern towns. These communities served as models to test a comprehensive approach to downtown revitalization. After three years of on-site analysis and implementation experience, a process was developed entitled "The Four Point Approach to Downtown Revitalization."
By preserving the elements of quality that have endured over time, communities are better able to rebuild a lasting physical environment and emotional ties for all those encountering the downtown commercial district. There are no quick fixes for revitalizing downtowns. Success is realized through the comprehensive and incremental approach of the Main Street Program.
These four elements are essential for building an economically vital and physically attractive Main Street:
- Organization builds a Main Street framework that is well represented by civic groups, merchants, bankers, citizens, public officials, and chambers of commerce. A strong organization provides the stability to build and maintain a long-term effort.
- Design enhances the attractiveness of the business district. Historic building rehabilitations, appropriate in-fill construction, street and alley clean-ups, colorful banners, landscaping and lighting all improve the physical beauty of the downtown as a quality place to shop, work, invest and live.
- Economic restructuring analyzes current market forces to develop long-term solutions. Municipal infrastructure investment and business expansion, retention and recruitment of new businesses, and creative conversion of unused space for new uses sharpens the competitiveness of Main Street's traditional retail merchants and service businesses.
- Promotion markets Downtown as a destination, developing an enticing image to shoppers, investors and visitors. Street festivals, retail events, heritage tourism and image development campaigns are some of the ways Main Street encourages consumer traffic in downtown.
When a community participates fully in the revitalization efforts, its downtown will experience renewed vitality and enhanced economic achievement.
Benefits of the Main Street Program
- Protecting and strengthening the existing tax base of the overall community.
- Increasing merchant sales and returning revenues back to the community.
- Establishing positive community image.
- Creating visually appealing and functional buildings.
- Attracting new businesses to the district.
- Developing new housing opportunities in historic buildings.
- Fostering new job opportunities.
- Increasing investment in the downtown district.
- Preserving historic and cultural resources.
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