History

The Austin Main Street Project was formed in September of 2005 as a response to a community-wide program entitled, 'Take Part.' The program was in response to some prominent downtown businesses closing, buildings deteriorating, and facing the possibility of downtown government centers relocating. The Austin Main Street Project is now turning these grim trends around by undertaking activities designed to preserve its traditional downtown area as a healthy, vibrant, economically vital center of commerce and activity. Several grant programs are being used to help downtown business owners restore their building fronts. This consists of forgivable loans, conservation easements, and low interest loans provided by local lenders.

The Austin Main Street Project, Inc is a non-profit organization funded in large part by the City of Austin, its Port Authority and the Austin HRA. The MN Dept. of Employment and Economic Development and the Hormel Foundation have also awarded grants to the project.

More than 30 volunteers from all walks of life share their time and talents by serving on committees modeled after the National Main Street Program.


Summary of Accomplishments Through 2011

  • Storefronts Renovated or Currently Under Construction - 36
  • Housing Units Created - 6
  • Relocated, New, and Expanded Businesses - 17
  • Private Investment - $3,208,650
  • Used or Committed Hormel Foundation & Outside Grants - $973,100
  • Tax Dollars - $1,221,155
  • Total Spent - $5,402,905 (Tax Dollar Rate of Return over $4.50 for every $1)


    • Programs

    Rent Reimbursement for New Downtown Businesses

    An application for consideration must be submitted to the Austin Main Street Project. New retail businesses, open during customary business hours and committed to operating in the downtown business district may apply. Applications will be reviewed and if deemed eligible would qualify for the following:

  • Reimbursement of 20% of building rent up to a $200 a month cap
  • Length of program is limited to 12 months
  • Business must remain open to the public during the 12-month term

    • Small Project Fix-Up Program

    An application for consideration must be submitted to the Austin Main Street Project. Existing downtown buildings requesting funds to renovate or expand their building may apply. The Design committee will review all applications. Only projects that visually enhance and improve the retail environment or contribute to downtown revitalization will be considered. Projects that have previously received Austin Main Street Project renovation funds are not eligible for a period of 5 years after completion. Applications deemed eligible would qualify for the following:

  • Matching funds up to 2,500 per applicant/project
  • Funding is in the form of a forgivable loan with a 2-year term