Three Main Street America Staff members standing in front of a mural in Marion, Iowa.

Marion, Iowa © Tasha Sams

About

We work in collaboration with thousands of local partners and grassroots leaders across the nation who share our commitment to advancing shared prosperity, creating resilient economies, and improving quality of life.

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Two community members in Emporia Kansas pose with a sign saying "I'm a Main Streeter"

Emporia, Kansas © Emporia Main Street

Our Network

Made up of small towns, mid-sized communities, and urban commercial districts, the thousands of organizations, individuals, volunteers, and local leaders that make up Main Street America™ represent the broad diversity that makes this country so unique.

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Dionne Baux and MSA partner working in Bronzeville, Chicago.

Chicago, Illinois © Main Street America

Resources

Looking for strategies and tools to support you in your work? Delve into the Main Street Resource Center and explore a wide range of resources including our extensive Knowledge Hub, professional development opportunities, field service offerings, advocacy support, and more!

Overview Knowledge Hub Field Services Government Relations Main Street Now Conference Main Street America Institute Small Business Support Allied Member Services The Point Members Area
People riding e-scooters in Waterloo, Iowa

Waterloo, Iowa © Main Street Waterloo

The Latest

Your one-stop-shop for all the latest stories, news, events, and opportunities – including grants and funding programs – across Main Street.

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Woman and girl at a festival booth in Kendall Whittier, Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Kendall Whittier — Tulsa, Oklahoma © Kendall Whittier Main Street

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Join us in our work to advance shared prosperity, create strong economies, and improve quality of life in downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts.

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Three Main Street America Staff members standing in front of a mural in Marion, Iowa.

Marion, Iowa © Tasha Sams

About

We work in collaboration with thousands of local partners and grassroots leaders across the nation who share our commitment to advancing shared prosperity, creating resilient economies, and improving quality of life.

Overview Who We Are How We Work Partner Collaborations Our Supporters Our Team Job Opportunities Contact Us
Two community members in Emporia Kansas pose with a sign saying "I'm a Main Streeter"

Emporia, Kansas © Emporia Main Street

Our Network

Made up of small towns, mid-sized communities, and urban commercial districts, the thousands of organizations, individuals, volunteers, and local leaders that make up Main Street America™ represent the broad diversity that makes this country so unique.

Overview Coordinating Programs Main Street Communities Collective Impact Awards & Recognition Community Evaluation Framework Join the Movement
Dionne Baux and MSA partner working in Bronzeville, Chicago.

Chicago, Illinois © Main Street America

Resources

Looking for strategies and tools to support you in your work? Delve into the Main Street Resource Center and explore a wide range of resources including our extensive Knowledge Hub, professional development opportunities, field service offerings, advocacy support, and more!

Overview Knowledge Hub Field Services Government Relations Main Street Now Conference Main Street America Institute Small Business Support Allied Member Services The Point Members Area
People riding e-scooters in Waterloo, Iowa

Waterloo, Iowa © Main Street Waterloo

The Latest

Your one-stop-shop for all the latest stories, news, events, and opportunities – including grants and funding programs – across Main Street.

Overview News & Stories Events & Opportunities Subscribe
Woman and girl at a festival booth in Kendall Whittier, Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Kendall Whittier — Tulsa, Oklahoma © Kendall Whittier Main Street

Get Involved

Join us in our work to advance shared prosperity, create strong economies, and improve quality of life in downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts.

Overview Join Us Renew Your Membership Donate Partner With Us Job Opportunities
Street view of a two-way street with historic buildings on both sides.

Covington, Kentucky © Thomas DiBello

Renaissance Covington in Covington, Kentucky, is one of the three winners of the 2017 Great American Main Street Award (GAMSA). Made possible through support from PNC Bank and selected by a national jury of community development professionals and leaders in the fields of economic development and historic preservation, the award winners serve as exceptional models for comprehensive, preservation-based commercial district revitalization. Renaissance Covington was recognized for their achievement in transforming the downtown district through creative public space projects and strong business investment.


Main Street America Program: Renaissance Covington
Coordinating Program: Kentucky Main Street Program
Year Organization Founded: 2015
Population: 40,997
Public and Private Reinvestment:
$35,827,695
Net New Businesses: 149
Buildings/​Structures Rehabilitated: 57

Visit Renaissance Covington
Cloud-shaped bike racks and bike-share docking station occupy a wide sidewalk.

Red Bike bike-share program with new creative bike racks. © Katie Meyer

Video

Renaissance Covington has made a strong statement that with creativity, small cities can provide rich, joyful life for its people while keeping up with modern trends and needs,” said Patrice Frey, President and CEO of Main Street America.

Established in 2003, Renaissance Covington has played a key role in spearheading efforts that integrate small business with creative public space projects to encourage civic engagement and main street revival. Over the past decade, downtown Covington has also evolved from a historic neighborhood to become a hub of business innovation that attracts small businesses and startups. In 2016, 15 new business opened downtown and the area added 187 jobs. The relocation of an Ohio-based consulting company to Covington also created 250 new jobs and over the next ten years will infuse a $36.4 million investment in the area.

The resurgence of downtown Covington has been a long time in the making — the achievements were made by a deeply bonded community,” said Katie Meyer, Executive Director of Renaissance Covington. Together, the city government, funding partners, developers and nonprofit organizations have been working on the ground daily on their piece of the puzzle to help create a prosperous Covington.”

  • People sit at outdoor dining tables set-up on sidewalks.

    Roebling Point outdoor dining. © Thomas DiBello

  • Children play on and explore a parklet while adults observe.

    Hopscotch” Parklet unveiling at Braxton Brewing Co. © Anissa Lewis

Made up of 19 neighborhoods and commercial districts, Covington is situated south of the Ohio River and Cincinnati. The area features a casual mix of Midwestern strength and Southern charm and has developed a flourishing creative population. Brimming with beautiful Italianate brick buildings, the district has seen an influx of new independent businesses and insatiable demand for downtown residential units over the past few years, with many stores’ upper floors being renovated into urban lofts.

Covington currently boasts 27 pieces of public art throughout downtown, most are in previously unused space, including a four-story mural painted by Brooklyn artist Faile that spans two buildings. To fuel art activities, the organization also redesigned a vacant parking lot into a designated space for public art and performance. Renaissance Covington also hosts an annual urban art festival, Art Off Pike, to showcase local and regional art.

The community has truly embraced street art and creative placemaking as compliments to the design elements of the historic architecture,” Meyer said. Our community embraces this creativity and as a result, we not only have a truly walkable downtown, we have seen an influx of development, businesses, and residents.”

  • Five people stand around a registration table set-up in front of a brick building.

    RCOV board members at Bike-Centennial Tour. © Katie Meyer

  • A large, three story brick building with floor to ceiling windows.

    Historic Boone Block residential development project. © Katie Meyer

Urban guides and public art maps are just some ways Renaissance Covington is encouraging people to explore the downtown. In 2016, the organization partnered with local businesses and artists to install five impromptu parklets” throughout downtown for six months. The parklets occupied several parking spots in front of stores and became space for public art and also walking destinations that connected different blocks. The organization also hosts an annual 10-mile Bike-Centennial Tour to showcase the town’s scenic treasures.

Covington maintains the density of a truly walkable urban core offering a variety of independent restaurants and retailers. Our cultural assets and dining scenes make Covington a destination for visitors as well as a wonderful place to call home,” Meyer said.