Historic Downtown Burlington has won the 2004 Great American Main Street Award!
Burlington was one of just five Main Street communities chosen from a nationwide pool of 1,700 applicants. The selection process was conducted by a national jury composed of former award winners and representatives from government, foundations and journalism who are active in community economic development and historic preservation.
The Great American Main Street Award recognizes exceptional accomplishments in revitalizing America's historic Main Street commercial districts.
"These winners have all worked very hard to bring about profound, positive transformation in their communities. They are inspirations to communities throughout the country", said Kennedy Smith, Director of the National Main Street Center. "True revitalization happens incrementally and is sustained over a long period of time, with small improvements leading to bigger ones."
Downtown Burlington will receive a $2,500 cash prize to further its revitalization efforts, a bronze plaque commemorating its award, road signs and an official certificate.
Established in 1980, the National Trust's Main Street Center helps communities of all sizes revitalize their older and historic commercial districts.
The Main Street Program is active in over 1,700 Downtowns and urban neigh-borhoods, and has generated more than $16.1 billion in new investment.
Participating communities have created 226,000 net new jobs, 56,300 net new businesses and rehabilitated more than 88,700 buildings, leveraging an average of $39.93 in new investment for every dollar spent on Main Street district revitalization efforts.
Downtown Burlington Wins National Award