Main Street group earns re-certification

VW independent/submitted information

COLUMBUS — Heritage Ohio is proud to announce the 2014 certification of Van Wert as a nationally accredited Main Street Community. Van Wert became a member of the Main Street program in 2004, and the organization continues to be a catalyst in the revitalization of downtown Van Wert.

Main Street Van Wert is being recognized as proficient in the 10 criteria as set by the National Main Street Center. This designation is a testament to the hard work and commitment of the Main Street Van Wert Board of Directors, staff and volunteers.

In 2014, Main Street Van Wert saw three new businesses open downtown, helping to create 24 new jobs. Building improvements in 2014 were valued in excess of $1.4 million, with 15 downtown buildings improved. MSVW board members and volunteers worked to grow and create new events to draw more people into downtown, including ArtRageous, retail shopping events, and the popular Hidden Spaces upper floors tour.

“Van Wert’s priority moving forward is real estate development, as businesses and entrepreneurs continue to look for improved historic spaces,” said Joyce Barrett, executive director of Heritage Ohio. “The downtown living trend also continues to grow which creates demand for market rate upper floor housing, something Van Wert can continue to develop.”

Van Wert Mayor Don Farmer remarked how different downtown looks and feels today compared to just over a decade ago.

“Over the last 11 years, we have seen great improvements and investment in our downtown,” the mayor noted. “Having an active Main Street organization has played an important role in spurring these improvements and preservation work, and remains important for continued downtown development.”

Heritage Ohio helps people save the places that matter, build community, and live better. As Ohio’s official historic preservation and Main Street Organization, Heritage Ohio’s mission is to foster economic development and sustainability through preservation of historic buildings, revitalization of downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts, and promotion of cultural tourism.

Since 1998, Heritage Ohio has contracted with the National Trust for Historic Preservation as Ohio’s state coordinating agency for the Main Street Program™. Learn more at www.HeritageOhio.org.