Gardiner Main Street Program

It began with a vision – of a revitalized downtown Gardiner, throbbing with life, teeming with art and innovation, aglow with carefully preserved historic architecture, activity and commerce. 

Four-Point Approach

Over the past decade, that vision has blossomed into a wonderful reality. Gardiner Main Street was designated as a Nationally Certified Main Street Community in May 2004 as a result of successfully following the Main Street four-point approach. 

One of the first Main Street programs in the State of Maine, the Gardiner Main Street organization was created to foster our downtown’s economic and cultural vitality through concentrated efforts of design, organization, promotion and economic revitalization, while protecting the city’s unique historic character. 

This four-point approach, developed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Main Street program, is a comprehensive, long-term, incremental strategy tailored to the local needs and opportunities of the community. The Gardiner Main Street organization has formed four committees that meet regularly to address these four broad areas and implement annual work plans; for more information on the activities of each committee, simply click the heading. 

Design

Enhancing the physical appearance of the commercial district by rehabilitating historic buildings, encouraging supportive new construction, developing sensitive design management systems, and developing long-term planning. 

Organization

Building consensus and cooperation among the many groups and individuals who have a role in the downtown revitalization process. 

Promotion

Marketing the traditional commercial district’s assets to customers, potential investors, new businesses, local citizens and visitors. 

Economic Restructuring

Strengthening the district’s existing economic base while finding ways to expand it to meet new opportunities — and challenges from outlying development. 

Get Involved!

We need your help to sustain the Gardiner Main Street initiatives… and invite you to join a committee, volunteer for events, or make a donation! For volunteer opportunities, email info@gardinermainstreet.org, or call 207.582.3100. 

Key Principles for Success

The National Trust Main Street Center’s experience has shown time and again that in order to succeed, the Main Street four-point approach must incorporate the following eight principles: 

1. Be Comprehensive: A single project cannot revitalize a downtown or commercial neighborhood. An ongoing series of initiatives is vital to build community support and create lasting progress.
2. Keep It Incremental: Small projects make a big difference. They demonstrate that “things are happening” on Main Street and hone the skills and confidence the program will need to tackle more complex problems.
3. Practice Self-Help: Although the National Main Street Center can provide valuable direction and hands-on technical assistance, only local leadership can initiate long-term success by fostering and demonstrating community involvement and commitment to the revitalization effort.
4. Form Public/Private Partnerships: Every local Main Street program needs the support and expertise of both the public and private sectors. For an effective partnership, each must recognize the strengths and weaknesses of the other.
5. Identify and Capitalize on Existing Assets: One of the National Main Street Center’s key goals is to help communities recognize and make the best use of their unique offerings. Local assets provide the solid foundation for a successful Main Street initiative.
6. Uphold Quality: From storefront design to promotional campaigns to special events, quality must be the main goal.
7. Create Change: Changing community attitudes and habits is essential to bring about a downtown renaissance. A carefully planned Main Street program will help shift public perceptions and practices to support and sustain the revitalization process.
8. Become Action-Oriented: Frequent, visible changes in the look and activities of the downtown district will reinforce the perception of positive change. Small, but dramatic improvements early in the process will remind the community that the revitalization effort is underway.