For the third consecutive year,
Downtown Mesquite has earned the prestigious Accredited Main Street America
program designation.
Main Street America, founded in
1980, focuses on preservation through economic development in older and
historic downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts. The organization
awarded 863 Accredited Main Street America designations this year. While many
rural and urban neighborhoods and communities participate in the Main Street
America network, only approximately 44% of programs nationwide achieved
Nationally Accredited status this year.
“This achievement is the direct result of the hard
work of many people, from volunteers to business and property owners, to the
many partners we have throughout this community as well as the vision and
support of City Councils past and present,” said City of Mesquite Downtown
Development Manager Beverly Abell.
To earn the Nationally
Accredited distinction, the Texas Main Street office of the Texas Historical
Commission works with Main Street America to identify local programs that meet
rigorous performance standards, including meaningful and sustainable
revitalization initiatives, fostering strong public-private partnerships,
supporting small and locally owned businesses, and actively preserving historic
places, spaces, and cultural assets.
Over the past four years,
Downtown Mesquite experienced a surge with the development of Front Street
Station, creation of the weekly Downtown Mesquite Farmers Market, new business
openings including Bear Cave Coffee, and several façade rehabilitations.
Downtown Mesquite also has received six statewide awards for its projects.
“During another incredibly
challenging year, these (nationally accredited) programs demonstrated the power
of the Main Street movement to respond to the needs of their communities,” said
Patrice Frey, President and CEO of Main Street America. “I am inspired by their
steadfast leadership and innovative solutions to drive essential local recovery
efforts, support small businesses, and nurture vibrant downtown districts.”
According to 2021 figures, for
every dollar that a Main Street program spent to support its operations, an
average of $19.34 of new investment was generated in those communities. Last
year, Main Street America programs generated $5.76 billion in local
reinvestment, helped open 6,601 new businesses, generated 30,402 new jobs,
catalyzed the rehabilitation of 10,595 historic buildings, and leveraged
1,427,729 volunteer hours.