The MainStreet program’s mission is ‘to ensure that our downtown remains an important and prosperous part of our community.’

Why are downtowns important? Downtowns reflect the economic health, quality of life, local history, and local pride. Downtowns are a key element in industrial, commercial and professional recruitment. A vibrant downtown Owatonna is for everyone and transfers to the entire community.

See the transformation strategies for Owatonna developed with MainStreet America (41 pages).

Retail Challenge-Applications Due September 14, 2018

The Retail Challenge is an entrepreneurial start-up competition designed to spur economic growth in Owatonna’s historic downtown area.  The winning proposal will receive an incentive package worth $25,000.

Our goals in creating the Retail Challenge were to recruit businesses that will enhance the business mix in downtown Owatonna and provide businesses a head start during the toughest year of operation (the first year).  Contest details for 2018 are live!

Marketing & Wayfinding

Our MainStreet Owatonna program identified wayfinding into the downtown as paramount to the continued success and prosperity of our downtown. Currently, there are no directional vehicular or pedestrian signs pointing visitors and stakeholders like to identify and travel to/within our downtown. We have created and outlined through our technical assistance from the Preservation Alliance of Minnesota a system of signage to guide visitors and stakeholders to key destinations, parking options, trails, amenities and recreational options.

Community Flower Basket Program

In an amazing array of colors, the downtown flower basket programs brings the area to life.  Hanging baskets are placed throughout downtown Owatonna and create an atmosphere of beauty and class.  This program is funded through community donations each year.  To DONATE click the form here. 

(Thank you community partners: City of Owatonna Parks & Recreation, Cedar Valley Services, Souba’s Greenhouse)

DOWNTOWN CLEAN UP

Owatonna MainStreet, ALC students, Owatonna Business Partnership and the Owatonna street department collaborate to do an annual spring cleaning in the central district business. Kids and staff sweep, rake and pick up garbage that has accumulated over the winter in parking lots, sidewalks and along buildings.

HISTORIC PRESERVATION

MainStreet has Information for business and property owners on Federal and State Tax Credits, EDA programs and grants for rehabbing facades of buildings, code improvements, signage, preservation and the history of the building site.

Contact Shirley Schultz for questions:

Email: sschultz@owatonna.org
Phone: (507) 451-7970