Published 11/04/2020 at 4:56 AM PDT
By OREGON TRAVEL DAILY STAFF
(Salem, Oregon) – Fifteen new businesses / areas of Oregon were the recipients of the latest “Excellence in Downtown Revitalization” awards from Oregon Main Street, a group that is part of Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD). The organization honors the outstanding achievements in local main street projects and places throughout the state, with the 2020 awards recognizing efforts between July 1, 2019 and June 30, 2020. For the first time, the honorees were announced with the release of videos of each of the individuals, businesses, and projects who received this prestigious award. View all videos here.
The Willamette Valley, parts of the Oregon coast, southern Oregon and the Portland / Metro area were among the spots that provided a shiny, new experience for tourism and the local economy.
The fifteen projects, businesses, and individuals honored are:
Best New Business – Blaylock's Whiskey Bar, Astoria
Business of the Year – White Birch Design Co., Hillsboro.
Best Adaptive Reuse – 640 2nd Building, Bandon
Best Placemaking Project – Beaverton Downtown Association’s CoSign Project, Beaverton
Best Façade Renovation – Welcome Hotel, Reedsport
Best Upper Floor Renovation – B-Still Lofts, Albany
Best Historic Preservation Project – Glass Tile Grant, Astoria
Best Downtown Retail Activity – Drive Up Downtown, Albany
Best Image Event – Downtown Oregon City Association’s 175th Anniversary Art Print, Oregon City
Best Special Project – Greater Than Golf, Bandon
Outstanding Partnership – City of Klamath Falls
Best Organizational Tool – Idea Sharing, Hillsboro
Volunteer of the Year – Sophia Slack, Beaverton
Board Member of the Year – Oscar Hult, Albany
Main Street Manager of the Year – Beaverton Downtown Association’s Kevin Teater, Beaverton
See www.oregonmainstreet.org for even more on the organization and the awards.
The awards were created back in 2010 to recognize the efforts of those who work strenuously and tirelessly at revitalizing Oregon’s historic downtowns and traditional commercial neighborhoods.
“What is particularly rewarding to see is how many individuals are giving their time, energy, and creativity to make their communities a better place,” said Sheri Stuart, state coordinator, Oregon Main Street. “Now more than ever it is important to celebrate our award winners. They serve as an inspiration to other communities. By their actions, they encourage others to join our Network to preserve the heart and soul of communities across our state. We thank them for their efforts and congratulate all our nominees on their achievements.”
The wide range of awards is reflective of the comprehensive Main Street Approach® to downtown revitalization developed by the National Main Street Center. This model is used by the communities participating in the three-tier Main Street Track of Oregon Main Street Network. From 2010 to 2019, communities participating in the Performing Main Street and Transforming Downtown levels – the top two tiers – have seen $112.1 million in private building improvement projects, $109.8 million in public projects, 1,262 private rehab projects, 644 net new businesses, 151 business expansions and 3,885 net new jobs. In addition, 241,761 hours of volunteer time has been contributed to local main street organizations in the top tiers.
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