History

    Nation Trust for Historic Preservation was established in 1949 by an act of congress with the goal of preserving the significance of American History and Culture. 

    National Main Street Center was established by the National Trust in 1980 to implement the Main Street Four Point Approach.  They currently participate in 42 states and over 1600 Main Street communities nationwide.

      Oklahoma Main Street Program was established in 1985 to assist Oklahoma Main Street Communities.  There are currently over 30 Main Street Programs in the State.

Main Street Altus was accepted into the program in 1992 and has been thriving since.

  The Main Street Approach

The Main Street Four Point Approach is the Number One Economic Development Tool in the nation. Based in historic preservation, the Main Street approach was developed to save historic commercial architecture, but is has also become a powerful economic development tool as well.

        4 Point Approach

        1.  Organization-building consensus and cooperation

        2.  Promotion-marketing the traditional commercial district's assets

        3.  Design-enhancing the physical appearance of the commercial district

        4.  Economic Restructuring-strengthening the existing economic base while finding ways to expand it

8 Principles of Main Street

1. Comprehensive - A single project cannot revitalize a downtown.  An ongoing series of initiatives is vital to build community support and create lasting progress.

2.  Incremental - Small projects make a big difference.

3.  Self-help - Only local leadership can initiate long-term success by fostering and demonstrating community involvement and commitment to the revitalization effort.

4.  Public/private partnership - Every program needs the support and expertise of both the public and private sector. For an effective partnership, each must recognize the strengths and weaknesses of the other.

5.  Identifying & capitalizing on existing assets - Recognize and make the best of the unique offerings our community has.

6.  Quality - From storefront design to promotional campaigns to special events, quality must be the main goal.

7.  Change - Changing community attitudes and habits is essential.

8.  Action oriented - Frequent visible changes in the look and activities of downtown will reinforce the perception of positive change.

The Main Street program is designed to improve all aspects of the downtown or central business district, producing both tangible and intangible benefits.  Improving economic management, strengthening public participation, and making downtown a fun place to visit are as critical to Main Street's future as recruiting new businesses and rehabilitating buildings.  Building on downtown's assets - rich architecture, personal service, and traditional values and most of all, a sense of place - the Main Street approach has rekindled entrepreneurship, downtown cooperation, and civic concern.

Who Should be involved in Main Street?

Everyone with a stake in the commercial district and its future.  Merchants, property owners, the chamber of commerce, industries, local government & private citizens all benefit from a healthy local economy and from a historic city core that reflects the community's heritage and ideals.

                     Main Street Altus Goals and Dreams                

          Adopt a Bed Program

               Business Banner Blowout

                Pocket Park

                Junior Altus Main Street Program

                Complete Facade Restoration around the square

Our Dreams are Endless!!!