Newton Main Street Receives 2023 Main Street America Accreditation
Newton Main Street has been recognized as an Accredited Main Street America program for meeting high standards. Each year, Main Street America and its partners acknowledge the programs that excel in preserving historic areas, boosting the local economy, and revitalizing communities through the Main Street Approach. This year, 862 Accredited Main Street America programs are dedicated to nurturing vibrant downtown districts. This demonstrates the effectiveness of the Main Street movement in meeting local needs and finding innovative solutions.
In 2022, Main Street America programs made a significant impact. They generated $6.2 billion in local investments, helped open 7,657 new businesses, created 29,174 new jobs, rehabilitated 10,688 historic buildings, and benefited from 1,528,535 volunteer hours. For every dollar spent on Main Street programs, $24.07 of new investment was generated for downtown communities. The designated Main Street America districts are home to 2 million people, and 1.1 million individuals contribute to their success through their skills and expertise.
Newton Main Street's performance is evaluated by Main Street Iowa, which works with Main Street America to identify programs that meet national standards. To achieve Accreditation status, communities must meet rigorous criteria, including grassroots revitalization efforts, strong public-private partnerships, support for small businesses and entrepreneurs, and active preservation of historic places and cultural assets.
In November 2021, the Newton Main Street district expanded to include the Newton Library, Fareway, Centre for Arts and Artists, Legacy Plaza, and DMACC. This expansion increased the district's size to cover 90 acres of Downtown Newton. In 2022, the district reported 1,149 volunteer hours valued at $34,412.55. Additionally, 7 Downtown Façade Improvement Grants were awarded as 1:1 match projects, totaling $47,150.00. Eight buildings were sold in the Main Street District for $945,000.00, and three businesses changed ownership—moreover, six new businesses opened in the Main Street District. The district received $860,000 in public investment and $157,000.00 in private investment.
Newton Main Street's mission is to preserve history, invest in the future, and foster pride in the downtown district. The community achieves this through community involvement, volunteerism, and partnerships within the Main Street district. Downtown Newton is a vibrant hub with diverse shopping, dining, living, and entertainment options. The district encourages property owners to invest in their buildings, respecting a balance between historic integrity, modern elements, and improvements. The completed downtown streetscape incorporates sustainable practices while honoring the community's history and enhancing the downtown area as a central gathering place.
Newton Main Street is a communication hub promoting community involvement, local partnerships, and strong leadership. With a clear plan and visible progress, the district hosts a variety of activities that appeal to residents and visitors. A signature downtown event showcases the community each year and strengthens its reputation as a welcoming place with diverse entertainment options. The availability of quality downtown living spaces attracts residents who support local businesses and restaurants. Local resources assist independent entrepreneurs, maintain anchor businesses, and attract new opportunities. Downtown Newton stands out as a unique and inviting place to explore.
Main Street America is dedicated to strengthening communities by revitalizing older downtowns and commercial districts. For over 40 years, Main Street America has provided a practical framework for comprehensive revitalization through the Main Street Approach. With a network of over 1,600 neighborhoods and communities, both rural and urban, the organization is committed to preserving historic places and driving economic development. Since 1980, participating communities have generated substantial investments, new businesses, jobs, and volunteer hours. Main Street America is a nonprofit subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. For more information, visit: https://www.mainstreet.org/home.