The Main Street Four-Point Approach®
As a unique economic development tool, the Main Street Four-Point Approach® is the foundation for local initiatives to revitalize their districts by leveraging local assets—from cultural or architectural heritage to local enterprises and community pride.
The four points of the Main Street approach work together to build a sustainable and complete community revitalization effort.
Organization
Organization establishes consensus and cooperation by building partnerships among the various groups that have a stake in the commercial district. By getting everyone working toward the same goal, your Main Street program can provide effective, ongoing management and advocacy for the downtown or neighborhood business district.
For Covington this includes partners such as the Covington Business Council, MainStrasse Village Association, the Roebling Point Entertainment District, the Latonia Business Association, the Northern Kentucky Community Action Council, Gateway Community College, the Center for Great Neighborhoods, the Kenton County Extension, and many more.
Promotion
Promotion takes many forms, but the goal is to create a positive image that will rekindle community pride and improve consumer and investor confidence in your commercial district.
In Covington we’ve produced a variety of promotional materials from maps of our district to a series of I love the Cov t-shirts and bumper stickers. See “Buy Covington Merchandise” at the bottom of this screen for more information.
Design
Design means getting Main Street into top physical shape and creating a safe, inviting environment for shoppers, workers, and visitors. It takes advantage of the visual opportunities inherent in a commercial district by directing attention to all of its physical elements: public and private buildings, storefronts, signs, public spaces, parking areas, street furniture, public art, landscaping, merchandising, window displays, and promotional materials.
Renaissance Covington works through façade grants, streetscape, and events promoting storefront enhancement to visually enhance the downtown.
Economic Restructuring
Economic restructuring strengthens your community's existing economic assets while diversifying its economic base. This is accomplished by retaining and expanding successful businesses to provide a balanced commercial mix, sharpenng the competitiveness and merchandising skills of business owners, and attracting new businesses that the market can support.
Renaissance Covington works closely with the Community Development Department to recruit new businesses into the area. In partnership with the Arts District, RC also partners with existing downtown businesses on a variety of events from gallery hops to festivals.
Coincidentally, the four points of the Main Street approach correspond with the four forces of real estate value, which are social, political, physical, and economic.
http://heritage.ky.gov/mainstreet/
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