Main Street Sees Growth, Momentum, and Opportunity

It’s a question that comes up often: How is Main Street doing?

While downtowns across the country have faced challenges in recent years, Owatonna’s Main Street District is showing signs of resilience and growth. Despite some business closures, the district saw a net gain of 10 businesses in 2024, including new openings, ownership changes, relocations, and rebrands.

And 2025 is already off to a strong start.

2025 Highlights (through June):

• 5 new businesses opened:
  • The Train Station Bar & Grill
  • West Bank
  • Mexican Bakery addition to La Flor De Mayo Mercado
  • Atlantis Hobby
  • Olmsted Medical Center
• 1 new government facility: Steele County Corrections Building
• 1 business with new owners: Owatonna Shoe
• 1 expanded business with new owners: Central Heating & Refrigeration
• 1 business relocated and expanded: Mineral Springs Brewery
• 69 new luxury apartment units added to the district

While two businesses were lost — one closure (Foremost Brew Pub Co-op) and one relocation (Baker Tech Services moved out of the district to expand) — the overall picture remains positive.

Continued Efforts to Drive Downtown Engagement

Main Street is actively implementing strategies to support local businesses and increase foot traffic, including:

• Hosting evening Farmers Markets monthly from June through October
• Expanding social media reach to attract a broader audience
• Launching a new website this fall
• Developing a Retail Incubator Space to help nurture new local businesses

How Business Owners Can Support Main Street

1. Shop Local for Your Business: Choose local vendors for food, gifts, branded items, insurance, and more.
2. Share Event Info with Staff: Use posters, table tents, or your internal channels to promote free, family-friendly Main Street events.
3. Encourage Group Volunteering: Staff volunteering together for events builds teamwork and community spirit.
4. Educate Your Team: Help employees understand the value of a strong downtown — from economic growth to community pride.
5. Support Job Creation: A thriving Main Street boosts employment and strengthens the tax base.
6. Promote Small Business Growth: Main Street is a great place for entrepreneurs to start and grow.
7. Keep Profits Local: Independent businesses reinvest in the community — unlike many national chains.
8. Value the Civic Space: Main Street acts as a hub where the community gathers — like Owatonna’s living room.

Have questions about Main Street or want to get more involved?
Contact Lisa Cochran, Main Street Director
lcochran@owatonna.org or 507-451-7970