Economic Development
Historic Downtown Silver City is a work in progress more than a century in the making. The district is part Old West township, part modern commercial business mix, part arts and cultural entertainment, and part residential community.
MainStreet, in partnership with the Town of Silver City, has leveraged local funding for over $5.1 million of downtown improvements. These improvements include sidewalks, new streetlights, the Visitor Center, and Big Ditch Park. In progress are the Main Street Plaza and the Downtown Gateway Arch. These improvements provide necessary support for increased business activity in the district and the maintenance of the exceptional quality of life of the community.
National Award to Silver City MainStreet
Exciting partnerships with individuals, businesses, corporate donors, the Town of Silver City, and state agencies have made the Silver City MainStreet Project an integral part of local economic development. In 2008, Silver City MainStreet received the first-ever "Excellence in Historic Preservation-led Strategies to Enhance Economic Development" Award from the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration.
Business Mix and Services
Since 1985, MainStreet has provided business services, developed downtown improvements, and promoted historic preservation and design support. There are over 200 retail and service businesses, nonprofit organizations, art studios, churches, schools and government services in Historic Downtown. This healthy business mix is listed in over 170 categories of the yellow pages.
MainStreet promotes business activity and development through these activities:
- MainStreet Gift Certificates Program has brought over $115,000 into downtown over ten years. Certificates for $25, $10, or $5 are purchased at AmBank, redeemable at 100+ businesses.
- The Historic Downtown Guide & Map is a top take-home brochure at the Silver City Visitor Center. The brochure promotes the district with listings for residents and visitors alike.
- MainStreet provides free business retention and recruitment services that help downtown businesses retain business and grow, and new businesses to find a suitable location.
Historic Preservation & Design Support
Silver City MainStreet promotes the value of historic buildings as assets, and the importance of retaining community character and sense of place. Successes over time have included financing referrals to local banks, working with the Town of Silver City to create four adjacent historic districts, and free design assistance for facades/signs/interiors to over 30 businesses.