[OMS_MANAGERS] Oregon Main Street Welcomes Tillamook at the Transforming Downtown Level

[STUART Sheri * OPRD]

Oregon Main Street Welcomes Tillamook as a New Transforming Downtown Community

Salem, Oregon, July 1, 2014 - Oregon Main Street announced that the Tillamook Revitalization Association was accepted for inclusion at the Transforming Downtown level of Oregon Main Street. Communities participating at this level have a high degree of commitment to implementing a downtown revitalization program using the Main Street Approach(r). The Main Street Approach(r) is a comprehensive downtown revitalization program that uses historic preservation as one of its most important tools. It is a practical program that helps communities build on their unique assets.



Sheri Stuart, Oregon Main Street coordinator, said she has seen increased interest in building a comprehensive downtown revitalization effort using the Main Street model and a renewed awareness of the link between local heritage and sustainable economic development across the state.  Communities are developing dedicated local volunteers working together with a shared vision to create vibrant downtowns.  In 2013 alone, communities participating at the Performing Main Street and Transforming Downtown levels saw 52 net new businesses, 108 net new jobs, 81 private sector building improvement projects representing $12.2 million of reinvestment.

Communities participating at the Transforming Downtown level must have a cohesive core of historic or older commercial and mixed-use buildings that represent the community's architectural heritage and may include compatible in-fill. They must also have a sufficient mass of businesses, buildings, and density to be effective, as well as be compact and pedestrian-oriented.

The primary emphasis of the Transforming Downtown level is to provide technical assistance to communities selected during their program's formative years.  Acceptance into this level allows communities to participate in training, community assessments, technical assistance, the Oregon Main Street network, and receive local capacity building support. There isn't a fee to participate in the Oregon Main Street network.



The selection process included submitting an application that describes their community, downtown area, historical identity, goals, readiness, support, and funding commitments.



Currently, there are 91 communities in Oregon participating in one of the four levels of the Oregon Main Street Network: Performing Main Street, Transforming Downtown, Exploring Main Street, and Affiliate.  While not a pre-requisite for acceptance at the Transforming Downtown level, Tillamook has been participating at the Exploring Downtown level of Oregon Main Street.



Oregon Main Street is administered by the State Historic Preservation Office, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, and is a designated coordinating program member of the National Trust Main Street Center. Oregon Main Street provides assistance to all communities whether they are just beginning to explore options for their downtown or are seeking recognition as an accredited Main Street(r) town.
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