Walk through downtown Harrison today and you’ll see buildings that have been cared for, improved, and brought back to life. You might admire a freshly painted storefront, updated windows, or a new sign without giving it a second thought. What you may not realize is that behind many of those improvements is a property owner…
The Lyric Theater recently received its Main Street Harrison mini-grant check, continuing a long tradition of people investing in one of downtown Harrison’s most important landmarks. For nearly a century, the Lyric has adapted to changing times while giving Harrison a place to gather. It began as a theater built for an exciting new kind…
A strong downtown benefits far more than the businesses located within it. Downtown is often the heart of a community. It’s where history, commerce, government, culture, and community life come together. When that heart is healthy, the effects can be felt throughout the entire city. Historic downtowns help create a sense of place. They give…
When people walk through downtown, it’s easy to notice the buildings that are waiting for their next chapter. What many people don’t realize is that some of those next chapters are already being written. Behind construction paper on the windows, fresh paint, stacks of lumber, and the sound of hammers, business owners are investing in…
When was the last time you looked up while walking downtown? Most of us are focused on getting where we’re going. We notice the storefronts, the traffic, and the businesses we plan to visit. But some of the most interesting features of downtown Harrison are above eye level. Decorative brickwork, ornate cornices, transom windows, and…
It may not seem like much. You stop for a cup of coffee before work. You pick up a birthday gift from a local shop. You meet a friend for lunch, attend a community event, or simply take a walk around the Square. One visit doesn’t feel like it changes much. But when hundreds or…
When people think about downtown revitalization, they often picture storefronts, events, flowers, banners, or historic buildings. While those things are certainly part of the picture, there is something even more important happening behind the scenes: partnerships. No single organization, business, property owner, volunteer, or government entity can revitalize a downtown alone. Strong downtowns are built…
At this month’s HHBA meeting, attendees heard from Kelly Lindberg about the restoration of the future home of Lemon & Rye on Main Street. When people see a beautifully restored historic building, they often see the finished product. What they don’t see are the months of planning, research, funding applications, partnerships, and problem-solving that happen…
When multiple organizations are working to strengthen a community, it’s natural for people to wonder where one role ends and another begins. Main Street Harrison, Explore Harrison, and the Harrison Regional Chamber of Commerce all care deeply about Harrison’s success, but each organization serves a different purpose. While there’s overlap in the shared goal of…
When people think about Main Street programs, they often picture events, promotions, or community gatherings that bring people downtown. Those things absolutely matter, but they’re only part of the story. Another important part of Main Street’s work is helping encourage investment in the downtown district itself. Building Improvement Programs Create Momentum One way that happens…