Oregon Main Street

Oregon Main Street works with communities to develop comprehensive, incremental revitalization strategies based on a community’s unique assets, character and heritage. Services are based on the successful Main Street Approach® developed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and include training and technical assistance. The goal is to build high quality, livable and sustainable communities that will grow Oregon’s economy. Oregon Main Street is housed with the State Historic Preservation Office (Oregon Parks and Recreation Department).

Oregon City Main Street

The Main Street Approach®

The Main Street Approach is a proven comprehensive approach to commercial historic district revitalization. This approach has been implemented in more than 2,200 cities and towns in 40 states across the nation with the help of the National Main Street Center and statewide downtown revitalization programs. The Main Street Approach® is based on a comprehensive, four point strategy:

• Organization
• Promotion
• Design
• Economic Restructuring

Learn more about the Main Street Approach>>

Oregon Main Street Services

Oregon Main Street provides assistance to all communities no matter where they are in the process. Currently, there are 63 communities participating in one of the three levels of the Oregon Main Street program:

Exploring Downtown is for those communities who demonstrate an interest in revitalizing their downtowns and want to learn more about the Main Street Approach®. Interested communities may join at anytime by submitting a letter of intent and completing a brief community assessment survey.

Transforming Downtown is for communities who are committed to downtown revitalization using the Main Street Approach® but need technical assistance to take them to the next level. Application rounds are held as resources permit.

Performing Main Street is for those communities who were previously certified National Main Street cities and those communities with advanced downtown programs following the Main Street Approach®. Application rounds are held as resources permit.

For More Information

Contact Sheri Stuart, Oregon Main Street Coordinator
State Historic Preservation Office
Oregon Parks & Recreation Department
725 Summer St, NE, Suite C
Salem, OR 97301
503-986-0679