While commercial district revitalization can be addressed in many ways, the underlying premise of the Main Street approach, which was developed in the 1970’s by the National Trust Main Street Center, headquartered in Washington, DC, is summed up in the program goals – ‘to encourage economic development, within the context of historic preservation, which is appropriate to today's market place.’ This approach advocates a return to community self-reliance, empowerment, and the rebuilding of commercial districts based on its traditional assets: unique architecture, personal service, local ownership, and a sense of community.
Today, over 40 statewide (including New Hampshire through CDFA’s Downtown Resource Center) citywide, and countywide Main Street coordinating programs serve more than 1,200 active Main Street Communities including many in New Hampshire.
In the first year of the Downtown Resource Center only currently designated Main Street Communities are eligible to apply for the most comprehensive and valuable package offered by the Center, the Main Street Membership.
The Main Street Four-Point Approach™ is a community-driven, comprehensive methodology used to revitalize older, traditional business districts throughout the United States. It is a common-sense way to address the variety of issues and problems that face traditional business districts. The underlying premise of the Main Street Approach is to encourage economic development within the context of historic preservation in ways appropriate to today's marketplace.
The Main Street Four-Point Approach™ is a comprehensive strategy that is tailored to meet local needs and opportunities. It encompasses work in four distinct areas — Design, Economic Restructuring, Promotion, and Organization — that are combined to address all of the commercial district's needs. The philosophy and the Eight Guiding Principles behind this methodology make it an effective tool for community-based, grassroots revitalization efforts. The Main Street Approach has been successful in communities of all sizes, both rural and urban. Find out if the approach is right for your community.
New Hampshire Main Street communities achieving the highest level of success are nationally accredited through the Downtown Resource Center. Accreditation is determined through an annual program assessment using the National Main Street Center’s 10 Standards of Performance.
For more information on the Main Street approach, contact CDFA or check out the National Main Street Center’s website.
