America’s Next Top Main Streets: Not Just a Pretty Face
by National Trust for Historic Preservation on March 19th, 2010Written by Erica Stewart
The National Trust has a long history of compiling insightful lists and bestowing distinguished awards: our 11-Most Endangered List calls attention to key pieces of our county’s cultural, architectural, and historic fabric that are threatened with destruction, demolition, or insensitive alteration. The Dozen Distinctive Destinations lineup is a heritage traveler’s bucket list, a collection of must-see places with special charm, attractions, and plenty of “je ne sais quoi.” The Preservation Awards honor projects and individuals that set the standard for excellence in historic preservation. And now, the Great American Main Street Awards® (GAMSA) take center stage, just a few weeks away from announcing the Main Street communities that are this year’s best in achieving commercial district revitalization success.
The GAMSA awards, a juried contest managed by the National Trust Main Street Center, doesn’t just kick the tires; it looks under the hood also, probing beyond the community’s cultural attractions, architectural marvels, shopping, restaurants, arts, and events. The awards recognize communities that exemplify a comprehensive revitalization strategy by building a foundation of public-private support, developing small businesses, creating jobs and economic impact, and preserving older and historic buildings – all hallmarks of the Center’s proven approach to commercial district revitalization.
The five winners are chosen from the 10 semifinalists, with the announcement coming on May 4th in Oklahoma City, at the 2010 National Main Streets Conference, the nation’s largest gathering of downtown revitalization professionals.
Without further ado, meet this year’s contenders.



