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Vision
Main Street History
Main Street Vision
Main Street Approach
How to Become Involved
Nearly fifty years ago Main Street and Downtown were Hamilton's primary commercial
hubs. Not only was Main Street the center of the communities commercial life, it
was also an important part of it's social life; People thronged to Main Street and
Downtown on Saturday nights to meet friends, see a movie and window shop. In recent
decades Hamilton's Main Street and Downtown have experienced dramatic changes. The creation
of the interstate highway system and subsequent growth of suburban communities transformed
the way all Americans live, work and spend leisure time. Many Main Street and Downtown
businesses closed or moved to the mall, the number of shoppers dwindled. This urban sprawl
occurred in most cities nationwide. Because of it's
slow decay, many people have forgotten how important the Main Street and Downtown Business
Districts are to shaping Hamilton's image. Those in the know are looking to the Main Street
Area Association to revive Hamilton's commercial core.
Our efforts will give Hamilton a sense
of place and community life which will attract and
strengthen business throughout this great
city.
The
vision of the Main Street Area Association and it's supporters is that which is conjured
when you hear the words "Urban Village". Our mission is to change the image of our Main Street
Business District - to demonstrate that positive change is taking place on Main Street.
We're working to recruit and retain quality businesses to fill
our storefronts and offices. Through a
public/private partnership we're striving to make Hamilton's high profile Main Street
Neighborhood a place of pride. Eventually we'll make Hamilton an attractive
and interesting city and a better place to live and work. Improvements will be
gradual. We're following a proven recipe for revitalization that we call "The Main
Street Approach". The Main Street Approach relies on a series of small improvements
that will begin to change the public attitudes about our business district, leading
to long term stability for our business district, our neighborhood and our city.
The Main Street Approach to downtown revitalization is based
on four points. Thus we have a committee to concentrate on each area:
Design
Committee Design
involves improving Main Street's image by enhancing it's
physical appearance - not just the appearance of the
buildings, but also that of window displays,
streetlights, sidewalks, signs, promotional materials
and all other elements that convey a message about Main
Street and what it has to offer.
Promotion
Committee
Promotion involves marketing Main Street's unique
characteristics to shoppers, investors, businesses and tourists.
Effective promotion creates a positive image of our Main Street
Area through retail promotional activity, special events and
ongoing programs that build positive perceptions of Main Street. Economic
Restructuring Committee
Economic Restructuring involves strengthening the economic base
of Main Street while diversifying it. Economic restructuring
activities include helping existing Main Street Businesses
expand, recruiting new businesses to provide a balanced mix,
converting unused space into productive property and sharpening
the competitiveness of Main Street Area Merchants. By
strengthening Main Street's economy Hamilton will be able to
support the use of it's historic commercial Main Street
Neighborhood, preserving this unique community asset. There
are many ways to become more involved with the Main
Street Area Association. As a friend of Main Street your welcome to join one
of our committees. We also receive generous donations from many Hamiltonians
who agree with our strategies for revitalization and preservation of our
Main Street. Business and property owners in or near our business district
are asked to formally join the organization. Yearly dues are dependent on
the size and location of your business or property. We maintain a nine
member Board of Trustees. Please except our invitation to
become more involved.
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Main Street Area Association
P.O. Box 13043 Hamilton, Ohio 45013 |
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