Downtown Madison celebrates kickoff to Main Street Madison
Snapshot
MADISON – Madison leaders joined downtown business owners and officials with the Madison Street Alabama program on Thursday to officially kick off the city’s inclusion into the Main Street organization.
Main Street Alabama, part of a larger national program, is a nonprofit organization that encourages public-private partnerships with broad community engagement and strategies to increase jobs, spark new investment, attract visitors and spur growth.
According to Main Street leaders, the program builds on the authentic history, culture, and attributes of specific places, to bring sustainable change — and that is exactly what downtown business owners are hoping for.
“We’re thrilled that Madison has been selected as a Main Street Community,” said Lemon & Lavender business owner Shannon Fisher. She was instrumental in getting the designation approved and serves as the intern director for Main Street Below are some fun photos from last Thursday’s kickoff event for Main Street Madison and the Third Thursday block party in downtown Madison. Photos by Samantha Magnuson
Madison. “This recognition affirms our belief that historic downtown Madison is a vibrant, welcoming place full of potential. We’re excited to work alongside local businesses, city leaders, and other Madison organizations to preserve our small-town charm while creating new opportunities for growth, connection, and community pride.”
Applying for Main Street Alabama designation took time with the initial interest starting in 2017. Last year, the city expressed a strong desire to apply for the program, which was granted earlier this year after Madison Mayor Paul Finley traveled to Birmingham to make a compelling presentation before the selection committee. “The application is meant to have a district take a good look at themselves and consider vacancies, historic properties, and the current economy in their program, district and surrounding region,” explained Main Street Alabama President and State Coordinator Mary Helmer Wirth. “Main Street Alabama’s rigorous selection process assures that designated districts access expert guidance, resources, and tools with the proven track record of success. Downtown Madison joins 33 other designated districts across the state.”
Leadership in Madison anticipates its Main Street Alabama Designation will not only be an important catalyst for the revitalization of its historic district, but also considers the distinction a great source of pride.
According to Mayor Finley, “Being selected as a Main Street Alabama community is a tremendous honor and a pivotal moment for Historic Downtown Madison. This designation sparks new momentum, bringing fresh energy to the heart of our city. By increasing foot traffic, creating exciting events, and enhancing the experience in and around our historic district, we are supporting the economic vitality of our current shop owners and laying the foundation for a vibrant future.”
Main Street Alabama will begin work immediately in the community to provide board development, goal setting, work planning, market study with economic development strategies, targeted design assistance, and training related to district development.
The kick-off event on Thursday was held in conjunction with the community’s annual Third Thursdays on Main event.
More information about the Main Street Madison program can be found in the August issue of Madison Living Magazine. Check it out at www.themadisonrecord. com.
Third Thursdays
Hosted by Main Street Madison and Madison Visionary Partners (MVP), Third Thursdays is a monthly event series bringing live music, food trucks, local vendors, and family-friendly fun to the heart of downtown Madison, along Main Street.
The next Third Thursday event will be held Aug. 21—from 5 – 8 p.m. It is designed to showcase the charm of historic downtown Madison while supporting small businesses and bringing neighbors together. Each event features live music from local performers, food trucks and pop-up dining options, local artisans and makers and extended hours at downtown stores, kid-friendly activities and community booths. Admission is free.
