Who We Are
Saint Charles Main Street Foundation is a non-profit organization driven by the community's passion for a vibrant and connected downtown. We utilize The Main Street Approach™, a nationally recognized framework for downtown revitalization, to advocate for Saint Charles Historic Main Street as a walkable, mixed-use neighborhood while preserving our historic resources and enriching the community.
Our work spans 13 blocks within the St. Charles Main Street National Historic District, which is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. We are proud to support over 300 local businesses and organizations within this historic district, and we recognize the importance of preserving its unique character and history.
Through The Main Street Approach™, we focus on four key areas of revitalization: Economic Vitality, Design, Promotion, and Organization. We work to support new and existing businesses, enhance the physical and visual assets of our downtown, position our district as the center of the community, and foster community engagement.
We believe that a vibrant and walkable downtown is essential to the well-being of our community, and we work tirelessly to promote its growth and success. Join us in our efforts to preserve our history, support local businesses, and create a thriving downtown that connects us all within this national historic district.
Our Focus
The Main Street Approach
St. Charles Main Street Foundation follows a proven approach to downtown revitalization known as The Main Street Approach™. Volunteer committees are dedicated to each of the following four areas of revitalization: Economic Vitality, Design, Promotion, Organization.
Economic Vitality
The Economic Vitality Committee focuses on capital, incentives, and other economic and financial tools to assist new and existing businesses, catalyzes property development, and works to create a supportive environment for entrepreneurs and innovators that drive our local economy.
Design
The Design Committee works to enhance the physical and visual assets that are unique to our downtown community by supporting public art, beautification, and adaptive reuse of historic buildings.
Promotion
Promotion
The Promotion Committee positions our downtown district as the center of the community and hub of economic activity, while creating a positive image that showcases our community’s unique characteristics.
Organization
The Organization Committee creates a strong foundation for a sustainable revitalization effort by cultivating partnerships, facilitating community involvement, and developing resources for our Main Street district.
Organization
The Organization Committee creates a strong foundation for a sustainable revitalization effort by cultivating partnerships, facilitating community involvement, and developing resources for our Main Street district.
As a Missouri Main Street Affiliate program, ST. CHARLES MAIN STREET is a recognized, leading program among the state network of more than 45 districts and communities who share both a commitment to creating high-quality places and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development.
Get Involved
Saint Charles Main Street Foundation needs volunteers with an array of talents and skill sets. If you are passionate about downtown and want to be involved, we want to hear from you! Fill out our volunteer form today.
Invest in Main Street
Join us in making a lasting impact on the heart of our community.
St. Charles Main Street Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit and your donation may be tax deductible.
Pay by check:
St. Charles Main Street Foundation
112 S. Main Street, Suite 2F
St. Charles, MO 63301
Or pay online using the Invest button below:
St. Charles Main Street Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit and your donation may be tax deductible.
Pay by check:
St. Charles Main Street Foundation
112 S. Main Street, Suite 2F
St. Charles, MO 63301
Or pay online using the Invest button below:
FAQ:
Q1: What is the Main Street America Program?
A1: The Main Street America Program is a program of the Saint Charles Historic Main Street Foundation that is designed to revitalize older and historic commercial districts. It's part of a nationwide initiative that follows a comprehensive approach to revitalization built on a method consisting of four points: economic vitality, design, promotion, and organization.
Q2: What is the goal of the Main Street America Program?
A2: The goal of the Main Street America Program is to revitalize Main Street in Saint Charles by preserving its unique history and character, supporting local businesses, enhancing economic stability, and fostering a sense of community pride.
Q3: How is the Main Street America Program funded?
A3: The program is funded through a combination of private donations, sponsorships, grants, membership dues, and fundraising events organized by the Saint Charles Historic Main Street Foundation.
Q4: How can I get involved with the Main Street America Program?
A4: There are several ways to get involved. You can volunteer for various activities, donate, become a member of the Foundation, or even sponsor a specific project within the program. Visit our website for more information on how to get involved.
Q5: How does the Main Street America Program support local businesses?
A5: The program provides support through various initiatives that aim to boost economic vitality. This includes promoting local businesses, offering educational and networking opportunities, and advocating for policies that benefit the local business environment.
Q6: How does the Main Street America Program benefit the community?
A6: The program benefits the community by promoting economic development, preserving the historic character of Main Street, fostering a sense of community, and making Main Street a vibrant, attractive destination for residents and visitors.
Q7: Who oversees the Main Street America Program?
A7: The program is overseen by the Saint Charles Historic Main Street Foundation, with guidance and support from the National Main Street Center, a subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Q8: What kind of projects does the Main Street America Program undertake?
A8: The program undertakes a variety of projects, ranging from beautification and restoration initiatives to business support programs and community events, all designed to boost the economic vitality and preserve the historic character of Main Street.
Q9: How can I stay updated on the progress of the Main Street America Program?
A9: You can stay updated on the program's progress by subscribing to our newsletter, following us on social media, or regularly visiting our website. We often share updates, news, and success stories related to the program.
Q10: How can I provide input or feedback on the Main Street America Program?
A10: We greatly value community input and feedback. You can share your thoughts and suggestions by contacting us through our website, attending our public meetings, or participating in our events. We are always open to ideas that can help us improve and make Main Street even better.