Benefits
The restoration of historic commercial buildings on main street realizes a wide range of direct and indirect benefits to the entire community.
Physical benefits result from significant, cost-effective investment in restoring the functionality of downtown buildings and in reinstating their architectural character as emblems of community history and identity. Building revitalization can, in turn, prompt additional investment in downtown public improvements such as street furniture, sidewalks and signage through partnerships between the municipal government, property owners and local business associations.
Economic returns take the form of increased downtown pedestrian activity and tourism encouraged by a unique and appealing shopping experience offered within a coordinated and sensitively designed environment. Workshops on merchandising, marketing, and customer service strengthen existing businesses, while the overall improved appeal and viability of the main street area attracts diverse new businesses. The results are a reduction of downtown vacancy rates, increased business revenues, and an increase in property values.
Social benefits include a renewed vision for the community and downtown; a reinvigorated sense of local identity, pride and accomplishment through cooperation in the main street initiative; and a fresh appreciation of local heritage through community tours, building plaques and the restored building facades themselves. Cultural and community events, festivals, parades, contests restore vitality to the downtown and reestablish main street as a focus of community social and economic life.
Special events bring visitors to Vilna’s Main Street
“The program had an incredible impact on our town. The immediate difference in the storefronts echoed a much deeper and more resonant change in the mentality of the people.”