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Q: What’s Next for Downtown Ventura and What is
the “Main Street Approach” to Commercial District
Revitalization?
A:
The Downtown Ventura Organization is embarking on a new
chapter on its journey to improve Downtown by following the National Trust
for Historic Preservation’s “Main Street Approach.”
·
This
is a nationally-proven, community-driven, holistic and
comprehensive methodology used to revitalize older,
traditional business districts throughout the US.
· It is
a common-sense way to address the variety of challenges
facing historic downtowns—to compete with big box
shopping malls and other neighboring shopping
destinations.
·
The
Main Street Approach advocates Downtown’s self-reliance
and the improvement of an historic shopping/dining
district based on its unique assets: distinctive
architecture, a pedestrian-friendly environment, local
ownership, personal service, and authenticity.
·
Start-up funding from the City of Ventura enabled DVO to
hire and experienced non-profit executive
director.
Q:
What is this
Main Street Four-Point Approach?
A: It is a comprehensive strategy tailored to meet
local needs:
· A
working governing board of directors and four standing
committees make up the fundamental organizational
structure of this program. This structure not only
divides the workload and clearly delineates
responsibilities for the volunteers, but also builds
consensus and cooperation among the various
stakeholders—YOU
· The
National Trust’s Main Street philosophy and methodology
make it an effective tool for community-based,
grassroots revitalization efforts. This approach has
been successful in almost one thousand communities of
all sizes, both rural (Paso Robles) and urban (NYC)
· The
Main Street approach is incremental; it is not designed
to produce change overnight. In order to succeed, a
long-term effort requires attention to every aspect of
Downtown — a process that takes time and requires
leadership from the merchants and property owners
Q:
What are Downtown Ventura’s Committees All About?
A:
In the 1970’s, the National Trust for Historic
Preservation’s created a “Main Street Center” and a
revitalization strategy that has been widely successful
in towns and cities nationwide. Described below are the
Four Points of the Main Street Approach that will guide
a sustainable and complete revitalization effort. The
Four Points are also the
names of the four committees. Each committee meets monthly.
· The
Organization Committee
assembles the appropriate resources for a functioning
DVO and this committee promotes the DVO around town.
This committee addresses the financial stability of the
program as well as human resources and fundraising
campaigns. You will like this committee if you are a:
bookkeeper, CPA, attorney, HR specialist, store owner,
property owner, fundraiser, banker, philanthropist, or
retired executive. Join us!
· The
Promotion
Committee sells a positive image of the district to
the public. It encourages shopping
and
investment in the Main Street district. By marketing the
district's unique characteristics, an effective
promotional strategy forges a positive image through
special events, branding and marketing campaigns.
These activities improve consumer and investor
confidence in the area. You will enjoy this committee if
are: creative, a good writer, know media and
editorial placement, a party planner, or have a huge
circle of friends. Join us!
· The
Design Committee gets the Main Street district into top physical shape
by capitalizing on its best asset—pedestrian-friendly
streets that are clean, safe, and inviting. This
atmosphere is created by designing attractive store
window displays, building improvements, and good street-scaping
that conveys a positive visual message. This committee
can have the most significant impact on the district in
the first year of a Main Street program. And tangible,
visible activities that scream “progress, finally!” are
often key to the organization’s ability to land positive
press and fundraise in the later years. You will enjoy
this committee if you are: an artist, architect,
landscape architect, designer, Webmaster, photographer,
or just very resourceful. Join us!
· The
Economic Restructuring Committee
strengthens the existing economic assets while expanding
and diversifying the economic base. This committee
recruits compatible new businesses and new economic uses
to re-build an historic commercial district that is,
first and foremost, responsive to today's consumers'
needs. Converting vacant or underutilized commercial
buildings into economically productive property also
helps boost the profitability and aesthetic appeal of
the entire district. Encouraging and facilitating the
establishment of more unique, locally owned, and highly
desirous new entrepreneurial ventures is key to making
progress. You will enjoy this committee if you are: an
entrepreneur, a real estate professional, developer,
economist, investor, banker, retailer, planner,
researcher, or a good networker. Join us! |
