Main Street organizations in Danville, London, Murray, Pikeville, and Winchester received recognition from the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet Thursday for efforts to foster economic vitality and job creation through historic preservation. Maysville, Shelbyville, and Williamsburg received the state’s Main Street America Façade Improvement Grants while Shelbyville Mayor David Eaton received a Spirit of Main Street Award.
The Kentucky Main Street program began in 1979 to reverse economic decline in central business districts through historic preservation and redevelopment of commercial buildings. The program consists of 28 communities across the commonwealth. They reported $60.5 million in investments, 548 new jobs, 130 new businesses, and 201 historic rehabilitation projects completed in 2021.
During a ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda on Thursday, the Heart of Danville, London Downtown, and Pikeville Main Street received awards for economic vitality. Murray Main Street and Main Street Winchester were awarded for best promotion.
Other Main Street awards include:
Volunteer of the Year Awards
- Terry Dachenhaus, Heart of Danville Main Street
- Julie Perell, Guthrie Main Street
- Marilyn Neumann, Campbellsville Main Street
- Bonnie Skinner, Cynthiana Main Street
Outstanding Main Street Partner Awards
- First National Bank of Manchester-London, London Main Street
- Willing Hearts, Julie Ray Pitts, Tri-Cities Heritage Development Main Street
Best Adaptive Reuse Award
- Martin Ausmus and Ike’s Pizza in Middlesboro
Spirit of Main Street Awards
- Teresa Mays, Beattyville Main Street Director
- Bobbie Gothard, Tri-Cities Main Street Director
- David Eaton, Shelbyville Mayor
Preservation Hero Awards
- Vicki Goode and Robbie Mayes, Perryville Main Street
- Jay Shoffner, Middlesboro Main Street
