About Main Street

What Is Main Street?

BECOME A MEMBER OF DENTON MAIN STREET ASSOCIATION

2012 Membership Application

The Main Street Program is a worldwide program to revitalize downtown
areas. The Denton Main Street Program began in 1989 and since there have been marked physical and financial improvements in the area. Over $36.5 million have been reinvested in the area since 1989.

The Denton Main Street Association (DMSA) is a 501(c) 6 non-profit organization. While the City of Denton’s Downtown Development Department works in cooperation with the Denton Main Street Association, all promotion, advertising and events for downtown are funded by sponsorships and memberships in the DMSA from the private sector. Downtown management in Denton is truly a public-private partnership.

The Denton Main Street Association Board of Directors depends on volunteers and members to make it all happen.

Mission Statement:

The Denton Main Street Program through the combined efforts of public/private partnerships will preserve and market the downtown area as a community treasure, focusing on historic preservation, continuing reinvestment and developing heritage tourism.

Vision Statement:

To maintain Denton’s downtown area as the focus of the community where history is preserved, businesses thrive, and citizens and visitors dine, shop, live, and enjoy the arts and entertainment.

History of Main Street Denton

The first Courthouse restoration was completed in time for the Texas Sesquicentennial in 1986. The overwhelmingly positive response to the Courthouse renovation confirmed to the merchants that there was a need for an organized downtown revitalization program. The merchants and community leaders attended conferences on downtown revitalization, visited other communities, talked to professionals and lobbied their City Council members.
In October of 1989, the City of Denton funded the Main Street Program and appointed the Downtown Development Advisory Board to oversee its progress.

That year, the Texas legislature allocated funding for an Urban Main Street Program, making it possible for cities with populations of more than 50,000 to participate in the state program. Denton applied, was selected, and began its association with the Texas Main Street Program in January
1990. Since then, the Central Business District has officially become the Main Street Association. Membership has increased over 400% and shows incredible broad-based community support. The Main Street Program has
high visibility and its mission is recognized and understood by most of the community.

Public and private sector commitment to the downtown revitalization process continues to increase.

Where Is Main Street?

The boundaries of the Main Street district are from north to south both sides of Locust and Elm from University to Eagle. The western boundary is Carroll Boulevard and includes the area between Congress and Sycamore.
The eastern boundary is Bell Avenue and includes the area between Withers and Oak (the Civic Center Complex). The southern boundary is the railroad tracks and includes all the area west and to the south of Eagle.