Reedsport Main Street advances to “Designated Main Street” level in Oregon Main Street Network

REEDSPORT, Ore. — Oregon Main Street (OMS) announced that Reedsport Main Street has advanced to the Designated Main Street level in the OMS Network, joining three other communities that also moved up in status.

The other organizations advancing to the Designated level are the Downtown Medford Association, North Bend Main Street, and Port Orford Main Street.

OMS said the Designated Main Street level recognizes communities that have shown progress toward building a sustainable organization focused on improving historic downtown areas through partnerships and community involvement. Communities at this level also gain access to technical assistance to support continued development.

“The City of Reedsport and the Reedsport Main Street Program Board of Directors would like to express our gratitude to Sheri Stuart, OMS Coordinator, and the Oregon Main Street Program for their leadership and support in helping us achieve this milestone,” Reedsport City Manager Deanna Schafer said in a statement.

According to OMS, organizations at the Designated level commit to using the nationally recognized Main Street Approach to support long term improvements in historic downtown districts. OMS said communities must have a defined downtown core with historic or older commercial and mixed use buildings that reflect local architectural heritage. OMS also said participating districts should have a compact and walkable area with enough businesses, buildings, and density to support the program’s goals.

“We are incredibly excited to step into this new designation,” said Rosa Solano, Reedsport Main Street Program Director. Solano said Reedsport formally joined Oregon Main Street in 2014 and credited local businesses, volunteers, property owners, and community members for supporting the program’s work.

OMS said the four organizations previously participated at the Affiliated Main Street level, where they received technical assistance from OMS staff to help develop their programs.

OMS said more than 100 communities across Oregon participate in the Oregon Main Street Network, which includes several tiers such as Accredited Main Street, Designated Main Street, Affiliated Main Street, Rural Regional Main Street, and Connected Communities. OMS said there is no fee to participate.

Oregon Main Street is part of Oregon Heritage within the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.

Contacts

• Sheri Stuart, OMS Coordinator: sheri.stuart@oprd.oregon.gov | 503 551 3705
• Rosa Solano, Director of Tourism and Reedsport Main Street: mainstreet@cityofreedsport.org | 541 271 3603 ext. 1008