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Making Connections

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 Association
206-842-2982
www.bainbridgedowntown.org
Population: 23,080
Year 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. 

 

Historic Downtown Chelan Association
509-682-4322
Population: 3,835
Year Designated: 2008
 
Downtown Chelan has survived as a charming vacation getaway and center of commerce since the late 1800’s. Nestled at the convergence of the Chelan River and Lake Chelan, downtown offers an alluring waterfront experience with a Cascade Mountain view.  Most of the downtown buildings were constructed around the 1920’s, including the Ruby Theater — the oldest continually operating movie theater in the Northwest.  Downtown stores offer a variety of goods to delight even the most discerning shopper including jewelry, fine arts, books, clothing, toys, recreational necessities, and unique collectibles.  Distinctive blue streetlight poles, decorative brick sidewalks, wall murals, sidewalk sculptures, and flowerbeds create a lively and inviting pedestrian environment.   

Ellensburg Downtown Association
509-962-6246
www.ellensburgdowntown.org
Population: 17,220
Year 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 Partnership
509-582-7221
www.historickennewick.org
Population: 62,520
Year 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.

 

Mount Vernon Downtown Association
360-336-3801
Population 29,390
Year Designated: 2008
 
Built on the banks of the Skagit River in the fertile Skagit Valley, downtown Mount Vernon’s history is intimately intertwined with the river.  Many of the buildings date from the late 1800’s to the early 1900’s, including the recently restored Lincoln Theater.  The tree-lined streets and wide brick sidewalks enhance downtown’s charm.  Pine Street Square in the heart of the district is a focal point for outdoor community activities.  Numerous festivals add to the liveliness of the district including the famous Tulip Festival Street Fair.  A balance of restaurants, culture, local color, arts, and shopping all exist within an eight block area.  Downtown Mount Vernon offers visitors a friendly, unique experience in a setting rich with Washington history.


Port Angeles Downtown Association
360-457-9614
www.portangelesdowntown.com
Population: 19,010
Year 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.

 

Olympia Downtown Association
360-357-8948
Population: 44,460
Year Designated: 2008
 
Downtown Olympia is nestled at the southern-most tip of Puget Sound, beneath Mt. Rainier and within sight of the majestic Olympic Mountains.  Known as the Capital City of Washington, it blossoms with heritage, diversity, and culture.  Downtown offers a blend of historic buildings, beautiful scenery, and eclectic retail and dining experiences appealing to visitors and residents alike.  Sylvester Park, created on land donated to the city in 1850 for a public town square, continues to serve its intended purpose as a central gathering place for political and cultural interests and as a peaceful haven in an urban setting.  The arts also come alive in downtown with more performing visual art venues per capita than in any other Washington city.


Port Townsend Main Street Program
360-385-7911
www.ptmainstreet.org
Population: 8,865
Year 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 Association
253-840-2631
www.puyallupmainstreet.com
Population: 36,790
Year 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 Foundation
509-529-8755
www.downtownwallawalla.com
Population: 30,900
Year 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 Association
509-662-0059
www.wendowntown.org
Population: 30,270
Year 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.

Did you know...
Certified Main Street™ communities are a great place to do business in a unique and attractive setting. These communities are providing comprehensive management through professional staff and boards of directors. Local Main Street staff are ready to provide entrepreneurs and investors with information on incentives, space availability, and local regulations. And, regular promotion and marketing of the Main Street district bring positive exposure for downtown businesses.

 
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Copyright © 2009 Washington State Department of Commerce
 
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