OCRA accepts Francesville's 'Uptown Project' into Indiana Main Street Program
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- Published: Monday, 14 November 2016 21:09
INDIANAPOLIS – Lt. Gov. Eric Holcomb and the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) have announced the Town of Francesville as the newest member of the Indiana Main Street (IMS) Program.
The program encourages economic development, redevelopment and improvement to the downtown areas in Indiana cities and towns.
“Francesville has done an excellent job at identifying that sense of place is dependent on many aspects including the business community, the town’s heritage and culture and quality events for the residents to take part in,” said Holcomb. “In earning this designation, Francesville is well on its way to making that vision a reality.”
Francesville’s organization, "Uptown Project," is a community-based organization devoted to enhancing Francesville’s historic business district and identity by providing social, commercial and recreational opportunities that will strengthen the community’s quality of life. The organization will also promote other business areas within city limits and work on enhancing the town park. Uptown Project has two main committees, the Steering Committee and the Executive Committee, as well as three standing committees, beautification, events/promotions and restructuring.
“The members of Francesville’s Uptown Project are thrilled to be a part of the Indiana Main Street program,” said Darlene Mellon, president of Uptown Project. “Not only does our affiliation with this organization help to keep us focused, accountable and motivated, but the resources OCRA has to offer are outstanding."
The Main Street Program, administered by OCRA, is founded on a four-point approach to downtown development: organization, design, promotion and economic vitality. Francesville, along with 120 other Indiana Main Street communities, work towards these four aspects of their downtowns in order to focus on restoration and revitalization efforts within their communities.
For more information on the Indiana Main Street Program, please visit http://www.in.gov/ocra/mainstreet.htm.
