Mainstreet Recognized for Preservation

Wyoming Main Street program managers and volunteers were honored at the State Capitol last week for their work to improve Wyoming communities through downtown revitalization programs. This included the Laramie Mainstreet program, which consistently helps to draw new businesses to downtown Laramie and promote the ones already in existence. This includes events like "Taste of the Town" which we have reported on in the past. The success of the Laramie program is well demonstrated by the fact that there are very few open storefronts in the downtown area. The Laramie program is directed by Trey Sherwood.  

 Sen. Marty Martin (D-Sweetwater) and Rep. Bernadine Craft (D-Sweetwater), co-sponsored a joint resolution to celebrate and commend the work of local volunteers to preserve the character of Wyoming communities while enhancing their economies.  The resolution was read in each chamber of the State Legislature.  Program managers from each of Wyoming’s Main Street communities were present for the readings and were introduced in each chamber as well.

 Main Street representatives present included: Marie Verger, Buffalo; Cindy Porter, Douglas; June Bonasera, Dubois; Jane Law, Evanston; Kathy Patceg, Glenrock; John Dahlgren, Green River; Mike Archibald, Kemmerer; Trey Sherwood, Laramie; Bruce Heimbuck, Platte County; Kate Grimes, Pinedale; Pam Thayer, Rawlins; Lisa Mueller, Rock Springs; Stacie Coe and Bonnie Gregory, Sheridan; and Roger Huckfeldt, Torrington.

 The Wyoming Main Street program helps communities capitalize on their unique downtown areas by using historic preservation to generate economic and entrepreneurial growth.  The program comprises a three-tier system designed to meet the varying needs of communities across the state and minimize local costs.  Communities may participate at an Aspiring, Affiliate, or Certified level depending on specified criteria for each tier. 

 The Wyoming Main Street program was established by the Wyoming Legislature in 2004. Main Street is a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation emphasizing a four-point approach to revitalization: economic restructuring, design, organization and promotion.

 There are currently 14 designated Wyoming Main Street Communities: Buffalo, Douglas, Dubois, Evanston, Glenrock, Green River, Kemmerer, Laramie, Pinedale, Platte County, Rawlins, Rock Springs, Sheridan and Torrington.