Center City of Amarillo is one of
eight programs nationwide selected for recognition Austin, TX – Main Street America has named Center City of Amarillo, Inc., a semifinalist for the 2027 Great American Main Street Award. Center City is a participating community in the Texas Main Street Program, administered by the Texas Historical Commission. The national award recognizes outstanding preservation-based revitalization of historic downtowns and commercial districts. A jury of community development, economic development and historic preservation professionals selected eight semifinalists from a nationwide pool of applicants. The award considers a program’s impact on community revitalization, commitment to historic preservation, partnerships and engagement with local stakeholders. “Center City is proud to be one of only eight semifinalists for the Great American Main Street Award,” said Beth Duke, executive director of Center City of Amarillo. “We are grateful for the leadership of our board of directors, countless volunteers, the Texas Main Street program and partnerships with our local stakeholders. Being named a semifinalist for the Great American Main Street Award affirms our work and encourages us to continue to make Center City ‘Everybody’s Neighborhood.’” The nonprofit brings people downtown through events, promotion, design and economic development initiatives, including façade grants, historic tours and partnerships with other downtown organizations. “Amarillo’s selection as a Great American Main Street Award semifinalist shows what sustained investment and commitment in a historic downtown can accomplish,” said Brad Patterson, Chief Preservation Officer at the Texas Historical Commission. “Center City of Amarillo has helped make preservation part of the city’s future, creating opportunities for local businesses while keeping downtown’s historic character at the heart of its revitalization. We are proud to support that work through the Texas Main Street Program and congratulate Amarillo’s staff, volunteers, businesses and community partners on this national recognition.” The Texas Main Street Program provides participating communities with technical expertise and support for preservation-based downtown revitalization. Its work follows the Main Street Approach™, which focuses on organization, economic vitality, design and promotion. About the Texas Historical Commission The Texas Historical Commission is the state’s official historic preservation agency. It preserves, operates, and manages 42 state historic sites, the Texas Heritage Trails Program, Texas Main Street Program, Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program, and many more heritage tourism and historic preservation initiatives across the state. The Texas Historical Commission’s mission is to protect and preserve the state’s historic and prehistoric resources for the use, education, enjoyment, and economic benefit of present and future generations. For more information, visit thc.texas.gov. The Texas Main Street Program (TMSP) supports eligible communities in developing and sustaining vibrant historic downtowns and commercial districts through a comprehensive revitalization approach established by Main Street America that focuses on economic vitality, design, organization, and promotion. Using this trademarked Four-Point Approach, the TMSP helps local Main Street programs leverage historic assets, strengthen small businesses, and create engaging, livable downtown environments across Texas. |
