Main Street Alabama

??Last week, Main Street Alabama visited Fairhope, a Main Street Alabama Network Community, to meet with Paige Crawford, Director of Community Affairs, and discuss the city’s ongoing efforts to enhance and preserve its vibrant downtown. With a long history of investing in beautification, Fairhope is known for its stunning flower-lined streets, waterfront views, and charming downtown district filled with unique shops, restaurants, and art galleries. The city’s dedication to maintaining a welcoming and picturesque environment makes it a true gem on the Eastern Shore. As a Main Street Alabama Network Community, Fairhope enjoys valuable benefits, including access to Main Street Alabama staff as a resource, discounted training opportunities, and an annual onsite visit. These benefits help ensure continued support for the city’s downtown revitalization efforts. Main Street Alabama is proud to support Fairhope and looks forward to seeing its downtown continue to thrive! ? #MainStreetAlabama #DowntownRevitalization #FairhopeAL

??Last week, Main Street Alabama visited Brewton, a Network Community, to meet with Connie Baggett, Director of Program Management for the City of Brewton, to discuss the city’s downtown revitalization efforts. The city is dedicated to maintaining its historical roots while enhancing the quality of life with beautiful landscaping and flowers throughout downtown and public spaces. In the 1980s, Brewton implemented a unique solution to parking challenges: the city developed facades on the backs of some downtown buildings and created the "Boardwalk", offering safer shopping and convenient parking while preserving the historical character of the area. With a strong commitment to landscaping, green spaces, and innovative solutions, Brewton is working to create a vibrant and enjoyable downtown. Main Street Alabama is excited to support the city’s revitalization efforts and looks forward to the progress ahead! ? #MainStreetAlabama #DowntownRevitalization #HistoricBrewton #BrewtonAL

The Anniston Star recently wrote about the wonderful things going on with Historic Main Street Oxford and the many accolades recognized during the organization’s award ceremony, which included six Main Street Alabama Illuminate Grant Award winners, as well as the Business of the Year and Employee of the Year awards. But impressive stats (like nine new businesses, millions of dollars invested, and hundreds of volunteer awards) were also on the program. Learn more at the link! https://ow.ly/748O50VbUhp

?? When you release Main Streeters into the wild... ??? They're bound to capture some magic! Check out these snapshots from downtown Foley during their lunch break at the Economics of Historic Preservation workshop yesterday. ????? #downtownFoley #HistoricPreservation

Leeds Main Street recently received funding for a variety of projects that are sure to generate excitement and foot traffic, including public art installments, improvements to infrastructure, as well as support for the small business community. According to the article Executive Director Kristy Biddle said, “This funding is not only revitalizing our historic district but also directly supporting our local businesses, improving public spaces, and creating new opportunities for community engagement.” Read more at the link! https://ow.ly/YyhB50VbU2t

???? Yesterday, Main Street Alabama hosted a vibrant workshop on the Economics of Historic Preservation! ?? From revitalizing our charming buildings to boosting local economies, participants explored how preserving our history can shape a bright future. https://ow.ly/n0uA50VhfXt

??Last week, Main Street Alabama visited Prattville to meet with Patty VanderWal, President of the Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce, to provide guidance and support for downtown revitalization—a key benefit of being a Network Community. Founded in 1839 by industrialist Daniel Pratt, Prattville is known as the "Fountain City" due to its many artesian wells. The city's rich history is woven into its downtown, where historic mills, scenic views along Autauga Creek, and a vibrant small-business community create a unique sense of place. The City of Prattville has worked hard on placemaking upgrades that enhance the downtown experience, from streetscape improvements to community gathering spaces that celebrate its history. Main Street Alabama is excited to support Prattville and looking forward to the progress ahead! ? #MainStreetAlabama #DowntownRevitalization #HistoricPrattville #PrattvilleAL

Donovan Rypkema with Place Economics, is wrapping up the Economics of Historic Preservation workshop with his "Historic Preservation is Economic Development" presentation.

The Economics of Historic Preservation attendees are all smiles after a break for lunch and retail therapy in downtown Foley.

Ben Moore, an expert architect, developer, and historic preservation pro, is deeply diving into State & Federal Historic Tax Credits at the Economics of Historic Preservation Workshop in Foley. Attendees are learning how these credits can make adaptive reuse and preservation projects financially possible! #HistoricPreservation #AdaptiveReuse