Main Street

Pittsburg Main Street Program

Recognized as a National Main Street City in 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005.
We are also a designated Preserve America city. We received this designation from Mrs. Laura Bush and the White House in October 2004.

Pittsburg Main Street Program's Vision is to be a vibrant and growing city with emphasis on our historic buildings and rich cultural heritage.

Pittsburg Main Street Program's Mission is to utilize the Texas Main Street Four-Point approach -- design, organization, promotion, and economic restructuring -- as a method of retaining our historic charm and architecture as we renew economic development in the historic district.

Pittsburg began its journey to become a Texas Historical Commission Texas Main Street City in 1984 when the City Council voted to hire its first Main Street director. Following this, the work began with organizational meetings, information gathering, surveys and fund raising. On August 8, 1984, Pittsburg submitted its application to the Texas Historical Commission. Although not selected on our first application, Pittsburg was committed to this goal and became a self-initiated Main Street City, and several important tools were put in place during this time. Cypress Bank Savings and Loan (Cypress Bank) and First State Bank (Pilgrim Bank) established a loan pool of $300,000 that enabled downtown business owners to borrow up to $10,000 at five percent to rehabilitate their buildings. The outstanding interest rate was the lowest rate in any of the Texas Main Street cities. Another important revitalization tool was a three-year tax freeze for downtown businesses that are rehabilitated. Pittsburg reapplied for designation as a 1986 Texas Main Street City and was successful.

The philosophy of the Main Street Program is the revitalization of the central business district with a simple concept: rehabilitation of existing structures capitalizing on the unique character of the buildings, coupled with development of progressive marketing and management techniques. Preservation and rehabilitation of the historic commercial buildings in the central business district provide the necessary image for downtown and serve as a unifying factor to encourage area merchants and building owners to invest in downtown. While this historic image can establish the tone for the revitalization effort, a commitment by the City, downtown merchants, Chamber of Commerce, local banks and business leaders to downtown revitalization is important to keep the downtown healthy.

How Does Main Street Work -- The Approach

Through the efforts of these committees, the Pittsburg Main Street Program has been offering the downtown area the opportunity to return to the days when downtown was the true heart of the city.

Organization

Organization means getting everyone working toward the same goal. Using the common-sense approach formula of volunteer-driven programs and an organizational structure of boards and committees that can ease the tough work of building consensus and cooperation among the groups that have an important stake in the district.

Promotion

Promotion means selling the image and promise of Main Street to all prospects. By marketing the district's unique characteristics to shoppers, investors, new businesses, and visitors, an effective promotion strategy forges a positive image through advertising, retail promotional activity, special events and marketing campaigns carried out by local volunteers.

Design

Design means getting Main Street into top physical shape. Capitalizing on its best assets - such as historic buildings and traditional downtown layout - it's just a part of the task. An inviting atmosphere created through window displays, signage, sidewalks, streetlights, and landscaping convey a visual message about our downtown and what it has to offer.

Economic Restructuring

Economic Restructuring means creating a healthy and attractive mix of goods and services downtown by retaining the existing strong businesses and recruiting new ones. Redevelop unused and underutilized space into retail businesses, restaurants, offices, and quality housing.

Some of the Many Accomplishments in the
Historic District from 1986-2001

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