414 Parkway
P.O. Box 1719
Denton, TX 76202-1719
940.382.7151
940.243.9695 metro
940.382.0040 fax

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Texas Main Street Program

The Texas Main Street Program, part of the Texas Historical Commission's Community Heritage Development Division, helps Texas cities revitalize their historic downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts by utilizing preservation and economic development strategies.

The program began in 1981 and is affiliated with the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The Texas Main Street Program is among the most successful downtown revitalization programs in the nation and has assisted more than 130 Texas cities through the program. The program has resulted in the private reinvestment of more than $860 million in Texas downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts, the creation of more than 18,200 jobs, and the establishment of more than 4,600 new businesses.

Denton made the decision to apply for Main Street status in 1982 and 1983. At the time, urban cities were not allowed in the Texas Main Street program.

In 1984, Denton mounted a public campaign to completely restore the 1896 Courthouse on the Square. The merchants formed the Denton Central Business District Association, a 501(c)6 nonprofit membership organization. They were determined to bring life back to what was then considered a dying neighborhood.

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 was the first urban city to apply and be selected; they began their association with the Texas Main Street Program in January 1990.

Since then, the Denton Central Business District Association has become the Main Street Association and the city's Main Street Program has become Downtown Development. Downtown Development and the Main Street Association enjoy high visibility and their missions are recognized and understood by most of the community.

Public and private sector commitments to the downtown revitalization process continue to increase. Since 1989, more than $47 million have been invested in the area, resulting in 256 business starts, expansions and relocations, and a net gain of 1,055 jobs.