In an effort to aid downtown revitalization in smaller cities around the country, the National Trust for Historic Preservation created the Main Street program which has successfully aided in the redevelopment and renovation of over 200 towns.  The Toledo Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) has recently secured funding to bring the Main Street program to Toledo. Rather than focusing on one main street in Toledo, the program will be applied to smaller business districts, or nodes, on thoroughfares throughout the city. This is the first time that the program has been applied in this way. Each of the city's 14 community development corporations were eligible to submit an area of concentration within their service areas. The competition for the first year positions was formidable. A business advisory composed of local business owners and key government officials chose Neighborhoods in Partnership, NorthRiver Development Corporation, and Ottawa Community Development Coalition from the six proposals they received. For the next three years, NIP will work closely with merchants, business owners, residents, and interested parties throughout the UpTown district. The Main Street program doesn't provide any direct financial assistance. It gives a clear, proven program to follow for revitalization of an economically depressed area. NIP's UpTown Main Street will focus on Adams Street from 10th to 22nd Streets. The Main Street program's success is based on a comprehensive strategy of actions tailored to local needs and opportunities in four broad areas. The Main Street Four Point Approach encompasses design, organization, promotion, and economic restructuring. The Design component aims to enhance 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 covers building consensus and cooperation among the many groups and individuals who have a role in the revitalization process. Promotion deals with marketing the the traditional commercial district's assets to customers, potential visitors, new businesses, local citizens, and visitors. Economic Restructuring strengthens the district's existing economic base while finding ways to expand it to meet new opportunities and challenges. Several committees are key to Main Street success and local volunteers are vital to make the program work. The Promotion Committee is responsible for marketing a unified, quality image of the business district as a center of activities relating to the sale of goods and services to residents, shoppers, and tourists. The Design Committee's purpose is to create an attractive, coordinated and quality image of the community by capitalizing on its unique assets and heritage. The Economic Restructuring Committee works to develop a market strategy for the community that will result in an improved retail mix, a stronger tax base, and a role as a major component of Toledo's economic health. The Membership and Development Committee recruits volunteers and supporters for the program's activities. NIP's Main Street Program will run until Fall, 2004. |