Bluegrass Times

FRANKFORT, Ky. – On June 21, Gov. Andy Beshear joined leaders from the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, along with state and local officials, to celebrate another successful year of the Kentucky Main Street program. The Governor recognized 15 Kentucky Main Street communities and local leaders for their efforts to foster economic vitality and job creation through historic preservation.

In 2022 alone, Kentucky Main Street communities reported $47.9 million in investments in downtown commercial districts, 587 new jobs, 130 new businesses and 201 rehabilitation projects completed.

“Kentucky’s downtown areas are rich with art and culture. Our main streets are the heart of our small towns, and they make each community unique,” Gov. Beshear said. “on June 21 awardees have gone above and beyond to revitalize our historic downtown districts and bring new opportunity to the area. Together, we aren’t just talking about building a better Kentucky, we’re doing it, and it will have a positive impact for generations to come.”

The Kentucky Main Street program works to keep the commonwealth’s downtown areas thriving through the preservation of historic buildings, support of local businesses, redevelopment of commercial buildings and economic development.

The Kentucky Heritage Council State Historic Preservation Office created the Kentucky Main Street program in 1979 to reverse the economic decline in central business districts through historic preservation and redevelopment of commercial buildings.

“We are thrilled to recognize these outstanding Kentucky Main Street programs for their achievements in revitalizing communities and creating jobs,” said Tourism, Arts & Heritage Cabinet Secretary Lindy Casebier. “The Main Street program celebrates the small towns of our commonwealth, supporting them in their efforts to preserve historic heritage while adding enhancements to attract new businesses and visitors. Congratulations to all of on June 21 award winners.”

Gov. Beshear recognized Main Street communities for their outstanding efforts in volunteerism, partnerships, economic vitality, fundraising, design and promotion. For a full list of communities recognized in the ceremony, click here.

Bardstown Main Street was recognized for its Bardstown Arts and Crafts Festival, which has been going strong for 42 years. Last October, over 30,000 people visited downtown Bardstown for the family-friendly event, creating an economic boost for small local businesses.

“Being a part of the Kentucky Main Street program provides many values for us to use in our downtowns by providing us with tools to build successful Main Streets and maintain our historical value, which in Bardstown we take pride in, and one thing I love most is the partnership we have with participating Main Streets,” said Randi Mouser, executive director of Bardstown Main Street. “This gives us the opportunity to bounce ideas, thoughts, strengths and weaknesses off each other. It’s a great way for all of us to come together and grow as one Kentucky Main Street. I love visiting other Main Street communities to see how each one of us is a little different but still follow the same core values.”

Maysville Main Street was recognized for developing the Historic Building Improvement Grant. The program was created to focus on revitalizing historic commercial buildings in downtown Maysville.

“A well cared for Main Street district is a must to economic growth, and anyone who has been shopping, dining or attending one of our events downtown has seen the huge impact the grant has had,” said Caroline Reece, executive director of Maysville Main Street. “Making our historic district shine drives increased tourism and makes the area as a whole more appealing to those who may want to relocate here and add businesses to our economy. It has also sparked a renewed sense of community pride. Citizens recognize that they are lucky to call such a beautiful, unique town home.”

Murray Main Street’s Imagination Alley was highlighted this year for its innovative approach of turning an abandoned alleyway into a tourism attraction that offers free Wi-Fi.

“We were thrilled to be able to provide to our community a gathering place, a venue for students to study together, downtown professionals to take a break or even work outside or simply be a location in downtown for kids to play and use their imagination,” said Deana Wright, executive director of Murray Main Street. “Imagination Alley is a welcoming environment for individuals of all ages, and we are so excited to have it in downtown Murray.”

Wright also praised the Kentucky Main Street program’s impact on downtown Murray.

“Being a member of the Kentucky Main Street program is vital to downtown Murray’s success. We know that if we have questions, we have the entire Kentucky Heritage Council ready to support us in what we do for our community.”

Since the pandemic, the Kentucky Main Street program has invested $151.8 million in downtown commercial districts, created 972 new jobs and 102 new businesses, and completed 324 historic building rehabilitation projects.

For more information, visit heritage.ky.gov. 

Original source can be found here.