Main Streets in America: A Legacy of Success

Across the U.S., the 1960s and 1970s marked a shift away from shopping in town centers to large suburban shopping malls. With less foot traffic, once bustling downtown areas were virtually abandoned. Historic buildings emptied, businesses closed, and residents lost touch with their neighborhoods.

The National Main Street Center was launched in 1980 to help communities across the country revitalize their historic or traditional commercial areas. Initially, the National Main Street program was focused on historic preservation, but over the years Main Streets has evolved into a powerful economic development tool.

Main Streets came to Boston in 1983 when Mayor Thomas M. Menino – then a city councilor – sought the assistance of the National Main Street Center for the revitalization of Roslindale. What began as an experiment became a resounding success; the initiative attracted millions in investments and new jobs.

In 1995, Mayor Menino established Boston Main Streets, a group of ten non-profit organizations set up to revitalize their city business districts. Since then, the number of Main Streets programs has grown to 19, representing nearly every commercial neighborhood in Boston.