Downtown Wilmington is embarking on a very exciting endeavor - using the Main Street approach to revitalize our downtown district. Back in March of 2006, Wilmington Mayor James Baker initiated the process of researching the feasibility of starting a "Main Street" program as part of an overall plan to revitalize the City. The result was the formation of a Main Street Steering Committee, a cooperative team of representatives from Downtown Visions, Wilmington Renaissance Corporation, the Downtown Business Association, the City's Office of Economic Development and Wilmington City Council. After many months of meeting and planning, the Main Street Initiative here in Wilmington is underway!

What is Main Street?

Main Street is a proven community-driven, comprehensive methodology used to revitalize older, traditional business districts 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 underlying premise is to encourage economic development within the context of historic preservation. Main Street advocates a return to community self-reliance, local empowerment and the rebuilding of traditional commercial districts based on their unique assets: distinctive architecture, pedestrian friendly environment, personal service, and a sense of community.

The Main Street Four-Point Approach is a comprehensive strategy that encompasses four distinct areas: Design, Organization, Promotion and Economic Restructuring. Volunteer-driven committees under each of those areas will be working hard to move the program's initiatives along, forming an effective tool for community-based, grassroots revitalization.

For more details, please visit www.mainstreet.org.

**Look for updates and opportunities to become a part of this effort in the coming months.**

Welcome our new Main Street Program Manager

In January of 2007, Downtown Visions welcomed its newest staff member, Clarence Wright. Mr. Wright is the Program Manager for the Main Street Initiative here in Wilmington and brings with him a wealth of experience and a rich, varied background from which to draw. He was formerly employed by the Ogontz Avenue Reviatlization Corporation in Philadelphia.

"Wilmington is on the cusp of some great things and the next 5 to 10 years are crucial. I'm thrilled to be a part of the exciting future facing this great city and I hope to serve as a bridge between the efforts which are already underway." (Clarence E. Wright)