In 1904, this corner was empty. A Sanborn fire insurance map of downtown Harrison shows a large vacant lot at the northwest corner of Main and Rush with a simple notation: “U.S. Gov’t & Post Office Building to be erected.” By 1905, it was there. The three-story Federal Building at 201 N. Main Street was…
When we talk about preserving historic downtown buildings, it can be easy to imagine preservation as keeping everything exactly the way it was. But downtowns have never worked that way. They are places of commerce, entertainment, work and community. Businesses come and go. Needs change. Buildings are remodeled and reimagined. Sometimes a building serves essentially…
If you’ve spent any time around Main Street Harrison, you’ve probably heard us talk about the Four Points. Organization. Promotion. Design. Economic Vitality. They’re the foundation of the Main Street Approach, a framework used by Main Street communities across the country. From time to time, we’ll take a closer look at each one and, more…
If you’ve driven past Rush Plaza at the corner of Rush Avenue and Walnut Street, you might think you know the building. Step inside, and it’s a different story. There’s the soaring two-story interior. The unmistakably mid-century ceiling. Brass railings. An enormous old bank vault. And wrapped around that vault is a mural depicting one…
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…
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…