Established in 1985, Silver City MainStreet Project is the longest continuously-operating program in New Mexico. Our MainStreet Project won a national award for revitilization efforts in Historic Downtown Silver City. We follow the National MainStreet four-point approach as stated below.
- Organization:
- Organization involves establishing and maintaining a nonoprofit corporation that works in partnership with the public and private sector to plan and implement a comprehenisve downtown revitaliztion strategy.
- MainStreet works with businesses, members, and volunteers for shared success in downtown revitalization and activities. It has a full-time Manager, membership in and out of the district, and over 60 volunteers.
- Promotion:
- Local MainStreet programs work to enhance the image of downtown and to attract people to the district to socialize, shop at local businesses and restaurants, and enjoy local history and culture.
- Historic Downtown Silver City, with its unique and compelling characteristics and history, is a destination for both residents and visitors. The district is comprised of mostly owner-operated businesses. MainStreet and other organizations sponsor annual special events that attract people of all ages downtown.
- Design:
- The Design point of MainStret consists of improving the physical appearance of the downtown district.
- MainStreet provides free design assistance for businesses in Historic Downtown, and secures funding for and develops major downtown improvements like streetlights, sidewalks, the Visitor Center, Big Ditch Park, and the Main Street Plaza site.
- Economic Positioning/Silco Theater:
- Economic Position involves strengthening and improving the downown economy.
- MainStreet operates the historic 1923 Silco Theater, a cornerstone venue for events and meetings downtown. Over 160 events have been held in the theater since July 2006, with total attendance of over 15,000 people. MainStreet helps existing downtown businesses retain business and grow, recruits new businesses to the district, and encourages community involvement in economic development and membership.