June 2008 Main Street Zephyrhills Newsletter - Click to view.

Downtown

In the past, the word brought to mind an image of a bustling center of commerce and activity.  Too often today, the image is of vacant, deteriorating buildings.  Now communities have discovered that with help from Florida Main Street, downtown can thrive again.

Revitalizing Downtown

Throughout Florida, there is a growing interest in improving the appearance and economical stability of downtown business districts.  In many small communities, the downtown is in a serious state of decline.  Effective solutions to the problems of deteriorating building stock, loss of business and the waning economic strength of downtown are crucial to the survival of the city itself.

There are many reasons for a community to actively encourage the revitalization of their downtown.  An economically healthy downtown:

•  Builds a positive image for the community.  An attractive downtown reflects a community’s confidence in itself and its future.

• Create job opportunities by attracting new industry and strengthening services and retail job markets.

•  Save tax dollars by stabilizing and improving the area’s tax base and protecting the investment already made in downtown infrastructures. Preserve the community’s historic resources.  In an economically healthy downtown, property owners can afford to maintain the historic commercial buildings and preserve an important part of the community’s heritage.

 The Main Street Approach

The Main Street Approach can bring about dramatic positive changes downtown.  It encourages economic development within the context of historic preservation.  The approach advocates improvement in four areas to create a positive distinctive image downtown.

• Organization – Working with the public and private sector community leaders to develop consensus and coordinate resources to revitalize downtown.

• Promotion – Creating and marketing a positive image of downtown through special events, retail sales, effective advertising and public relations.

• Design – Encouraging quality building rehabilitation, signage, public improvements and window displays to improve downtown appearances.

• Economic Restructuring – Improving economic base of downtown by strengthening existing business, recruiting new businesses, and filling vacancies.

The Main Street Approach also advocates a return to community self reliance and emphasizes the downtown’s traditional assets: personal service, local ownership, unique architecture and a sense of community.