A primary benefit of being involved with the Washington Main Street Program is the connection to a network of organizations dedicated to downtown revitalization. These organizations are actively using the Main Street Four Point Approach™ and have a great deal of information to share about their activities, successes, and even their challenges. We encourage individuals and communities to contact programs directly with specific questions and issues. If you’re interested in starting a downtown revitalization effort in your community, one of the best ways to get started is to contact an active Washington Main Street™ community and ask them about their program and lessons they’ve learned. You may even want to set up a visit to a nearby or geographically similar community. WASHINGTON'S MAIN STREET™ COMMUNITIES
Bainbridge Island Downtown Association206-842-2982www.bainbridgedowntown.orgPopulation: 23,080Year Designated: 1998
Just a short ferry ride from Seattle, downtown Bainbridge Island is a world apart. The Olympic Mountains provide a stunning backdrop to this amiable island community successfully blending its Pacific Northwest heritage with a casual, artistic, forward thinking sensibility. The result is a vibrant and charming downtown welcoming to visitors and residents alike. Fine art and antiques, funky collectibles, and contemporary fashions offer an eclectic array of goods to tantalize both the collector and the curious. The Bainbridge Island Downtown Association is devoted to preserving this essential community gathering place where people live, shop, work, socialize, and conduct their daily business.
Ellensburg Downtown Association509-962-6246www.ellensburgdowntown.orgPopulation: 17,220Year Designated: 2007
The unique character of downtown Ellensburg has been enjoyed by generations of locals and visitors alike. Architecturally composed almost entirely of brick buildings in the “late Victorian” style, downtown is emerging as a trendy, eclectic mix of niche businesses, restaurants, art galleries, museums, and services. The street frontage of historic buildings creates a compact and pedestrian friendly streetscape. A variety of events bring downtown to life. Maintaining a healthy and vibrant downtown is important to residents and the Ellensburg Downtown Association alike.
Historic Downtown Kennewick Partnership509-582-7221www.historickennewick.orgPopulation: 62,520Year Designated: 2003
Located on the banks of the Columbia River and the famous Lewis and Clark Trail, historic downtown Kennewick is undergoing a renaissance. A diverse business mix includes everything from an old-fashioned soda fountain and penny candy store in a newly restored building to a full service hardware center. Public artwork and recent streetscape improvements create a pleasing pedestrian environment. Through its efforts, the Historic Downtown Kennewick Partnership is creating new life for the commercial district while working to protect its pioneer heritage and historic buildings.
Port Angeles Downtown Association360-457-9614www.portangelesdowntown.comPopulation: 19,010Year Designated: 1992
Nestled between the Olympic Mountains and the Strait of Juan de Fuca, downtown Port Angeles is ideally situated to serve as the hub for Olympic Peninsula recreation and exploration. A commitment to revitalization has made downtown a thriving district characterized by friendly shops, historic buildings, outdoor sculptures, murals, and magnificent flowers. Downtown boasts interesting apparel and sporting goods shops, bookstores, boutiques, gift stores, and art galleries. There are also a variety of eating establishments to suit any palette. The Port Angeles Downtown Association is a driving force behind the revitalization efforts making downtown a thriving and growing travel destination.
Port Townsend Main Street Program360-385-7911www.ptmainstreet.orgPopulation: 8,865Year Designated: 1984
Port Townsend has a remarkable collection of well preserved Victorian era buildings earning it landmark status on the National Register of Historic Places. Winner of the Great American Main Street Award in 2000, the Port Townsend Main Street Program oversees two historic districts with over 80 unique shops, accommodations, and restaurants. In Port Townsend, you can rent a kayak, see an art film, enjoy diverse cuisine, browse in one-of-a-kind shops or watch an eagle fly by – all within the historic commercial districts. Port Townsend is recognized as one of the premier historic seaside communities in the country due to its inventory of well preserved buildings, scenic waterfront setting, and dedication to commercial district revitalization.
Puyallup Main Street Association253-840-2631www.puyallupmainstreet.comPopulation: 36,790Year Designated: 1992
With strong ties to its agricultural past, Puyallup’s historic downtown draws from the spirit of its entrepreneurial heritage while adapting to the needs of the contemporary retail customer. In downtown, computer stores coexist side by side with espresso shops, specialty gift, and antique malls. And, each business owner continues the small town tradition of greeting customers by name. A growing downtown residential population is bringing additional energy to the district. The Puyallup Main Street Association works hard to enhance the district’s vitality. With cultural events, a farmers’ market, building improvements, public art, new civic buildings, and seasonal decorations, downtown is the focal point of community life.
Downtown Walla Walla Foundation509-529-8755www.downtownwallawalla.comPopulation: 30,900Year Designated: 1992
Walla Walla’s rich history dates back to the early 1800’s when settlers arrived on the heels of the Lewis and Clark expedition. Downtown blends old with new – tradition and innovation. Restored historic buildings are occupied with a wide variety of independent boutique and specialty shops, more than two dozen restaurants, and a variety of services. The region’s burgeoning wine industry is also evident. Combined with public art installations, musical concerts, and attractive landscaping, downtown invites social interaction and recreational use. In 2001, the Downtown Walla Walla Foundation received recognition for their revitalization efforts as a Great American Main Street Award recipient.
Wenatchee Downtown Association509-662-0059www.wendowntown.orgPopulation: 30,270Year Designated: 1991
Located near the geographic center of Washington State on the shores of the mighty Columbia River, downtown Wenatchee is loaded with treasures to discover. Over the past two decades, the historic downtown has been transformed into a vibrant, healthy business district boasting everything from specialty retail and trendy coffee shops to antique stores and services. Abandoned warehouses are undergoing renovation including the creation of stylish upper floor lofts. With streetscaping, parking improvements, special events, and strategic marketing, downtown continues to enjoy economic stimulation and community support. The Wenatchee Downtown Association received a Great American Main Street Award in 2003 due to these strategic efforts.