Main Street Texarkana has begun its 2015 Membership/Investor Campaign. Membership as an investor in the Main Street program helps the local program with projects and programs that support and promote the revitalization and tourism of historic downtown Texarkana.
Downtown Texarkana, USA, is the heart and soul of our community, said Josh Morriss, III, president of Main Street Texarkana. To have a thriving, vital Texarkana, we must continue and accelerate the work to make its heartbeat strong….by rebuilding the life of historic, downtown Texarkana, he said.
We are dedicated to being the central catalyst to rebuild historic, downtown Texarkana, USA, into a vibrant district that includes: entertainment; arts and events for all ages; locally-owned restaurants; trendy locally-owned boutiques; professional office space; and, eclectic loft living, Morriss stated.
Main Street Texarkana presents the annual Main Street Christmas Parade in downtown Texarkana, publishes the Texarkana City Guide, designs and sells historic landmark medallions, and participates in numerous events and community efforts that drive the revitalization and tourism of our unique downtown, said Ina McDowell, executive director of Main Street Texarkana.
Technical services for design, promotion, and business development are among the services provided by Main Street Texarkana. Main Street Texarkana is one of only two bi-state Main Street programs in the United States and benefits from the expertise of Main Street Texas and Main Street Arkansas staff.
Main Street Texarkana uses the 4-Point Approach(Design, Organization, Promotion and Economic Restructuring) created by the National Trust for Historic Preservation for use by all Main Street programs in the United States. This simple approach works as a guide for economic development in downtown areas using existing structures and their unique architectural design.
It is a way of preserving our early Texarkana history, but allowing for essential progress to meet the economic needs of the community, said McDowell. Downtown revitalization benefits the entire community and 2015 is going to be an exciting year with the continued joint efforts of both cities of Texarkana. We have a wonderful downtown with many opportunities for new businesses, beautification, and continued success for our current businesses. Our downtown is unique because of the state line, but it also holds many fascinating stories related to early businesses, music legends, and beautiful historic architecture. The state line Post Office/Federal Courthouse remains one of the most popular tourist stops with visitors able to stand in two states. It is said to be the second most photographed courthouse in the country behind the U.S. Federal Courthouse in Washington, D.C. There is much still to “reveal” about our community’s history and Main Street Texarkana works to preserve and promote our history while providing economic development and attractions for tourism, McDowell said.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation began the Main Street program over 30 years ago(1980) with a pilot program to save historic commercial architecture. The National Main Street Program recently was reorganized to become its own subsidiary, The National Main Street Center.
Main Street Texas was one of the first to become a state program in 1981. Main Street Arkansas joined the program 1984.
Main Street programs across the country have generated over $54 billion in investments, rehabilitation of over 229,000 buildings and more than 450,000 jobs. There are over 2000 communities that are Main Street communities in the United States.
Main Street Texarkana Membership/Investor levels begin at any donation amount. Supporters receive an electronic newsletter every 2 months with updates on events and projects in downtown. For more information on support of Main Street Texarkana, call Ina McDowell, executive director, at 903-792-7191 or email, mainstreet@texarkana.org. Membership information is also available at mainstreettexarkana.org.
