Design supports a community’s transformation by enhancing the physical and visual elements of downtown while capitalizing on the unique assets that set the commercial district apart. In this video, we provide an introductory overview of the guiding principles, tools and incentives, and day-to-day and future-focused considerations that propel the Main Street movement.

3 Simple Next Steps

1. Build Relationships — Engage and establish a working relationship with property owners, local leaders in charge of the district’s built environment, and your state historic preservation office and/​or local historic preservation commission.
2. Survey Your District — Create a baseline physical environment survey or your district, documenting existing conditions and needs for building maintenance and repair, accessibility features, streetscapes, public spaces, and infrastructure.
3. Assemble Tools — Compile a library of design-focused tools, resources, and best practices that you can easily share with district stakeholders, positioning your Main Street program as the hub and connector for design-related inquiries.

Dive Deeper

Click on the links below to dive deeper and learn more about Design principles for Main Street communities.

• The Main Street Approach Design Handbook, Main Street America
• Zoning Glossary, Main Street America
• ADA Standards for Accessible Design, U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division
• Find Your State Historic Preservation Office, National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers
• NPS Technical Preservation Resources, National Park Service
• Navigating Main Streets as Places, Project for Public Spaces
• Browse Design Courses, Main Street America Institute