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What is the WA Main Street Program?
The Historic Manson Mainstreet Association is part of a statewide revitalization program established in 1980. Since its early years, the Washington State Main Street Program has supported communities in strengthening the economic vitality, appearance, and perception of their downtown districts through the proven Main Street Four-Point Approach®.
This approach is rooted in each community’s unique heritage and character. By leveraging local resources and volunteer initiatives, it helps towns create tailored strategies that foster long-term economic growth and renewed pride in the heart of the community.
In 2010, the program transitioned from the Department of Commerce to the Department of Archaeology & Historic Preservation. It is administered, under contract, by the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation, a statewide nonprofit
Main Street Four-Point Approach®
The Main Street Four-Point Approach® is a proven, preservation-based economic development model that helps communities revitalize their downtown areas by leveraging local assets, historic buildings, cultural resources, local businesses and community identity.
Since 1980, Main Street has grown into a national movement encompassing more than 2,000 programs across the country. Over 1,200 cities and towns in 40 states have used this approach with support from the National Main Street Center and statewide Main Street Program, to create a sustainable foundation for long-term downtown revitalization.
ORGANIZATION
Involves building a Main Street framework that is well represented by business and property owners, bankers, citizens, historic preservationists, entrepreneurs, public officials, chambers of commerce, and other local economic development organizations. Everyone must work together to renew downtown. A strong organization provides the structure and stability to build and maintain a long-term effort.
PROMOTION
Creates excitement and vibrancy downtown. Street festivals, parades, retail events, and image development campaigns are some of the ways Main Street provides education on what’s downtown and encourages customer traffic. Promotion involves marketing an enticing image to shoppers, investors, and visitors.
DESIGN
Enhances the look and feel of the commercial district. Historic building rehabilitation, street and alley clean-up, landscaping, street furniture, signage, visual merchandising and lighting all improve the physical image of the downtown as a quality place to shop, work, walk, invest in, and live. Design improvements result in a reinvestment of public and private dollars to downtown.
ECONOMIC VITALITY
Involves analyzing current market forces to develop long-term solutions. Recruiting new businesses, creatively converting unused space for new uses, and sharpening the competitiveness of Main Street’s traditional merchants are examples of economic vitality activities.