M A I N S T R E E T

Mission:   Business & community collaboration for a vital prosperous Downtown Future

Vision:  The Passionate members of Owatonna MainStreet are working towards a safe, full, innovative Downtown core that reflects entrepreneurial pride, collaborative integrity and prosperous community now and for the future.

 LET’S MEET DOWNTOWN   LIVE – WORK – PLAY – STAY

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).

Community Flower Basket Program

The downtown hanging flower basket program adds beauty and life to Central Park, the bridge over the dam in Morehouse Park and the city center.  The flowers welcome to residents, workers and visitors.   This program is completely funded through donations from individuals in the community, businesses, memorials and gifts.  Owatonna MainStreet donates administrative services to make the program possible.  100 % of funds raised  go directly to the purchase, watering and care of the flowers.   To DONATE click the form here. 

(Thank you to our community partners:  Cedar Valley Services, Souba’s Greenhouse and City of Owatonna Parks & Recreation for use of the watering gator and help with hanging the baskets)

Downtown Streetscape

MainStreet contributed seed funding from a RETHOS grant, to the City of Owatonna to create a downtown streetscape. This streetscaping plan will help guide future improvements and development within the historic downtown area.  A conceptual plan was created on an interactive map.  Please take a look.  The city of Owatonna approved the Streetscape in December 2019.

North Cedar Avenue Streetscape Project

In 2021, ISG has been engaged to assist with this project, considered as Phase One of the Master plan, which consists of North Cedar Avenue Streetscape improvements focused on the three blocks between Central Park and Rose Street. To watch the live stream of the Informational Meeting click here.

For questions, contact Community Engagement Lead, Becky Guenther at Becky.Guenther@ISGInc.com or 952-426-0699.

https://wsb.mysocialpinpoint.com/downtownowatonna

Marketing & Wayfinding

MainStreet Owatonna identified wayfinding into the downtown for the continued success and prosperity of our downtown. Currently, there are no directional vehicular or pedestrian signs pointing visitors and stakeholders alike to identify and travel to/within our downtown.  MainStreet created a Wayfinding plan and designs for a system of signage to guide visitors and stakeholders to key destinations, parking options, trails, amenities and recreational options utilizing a grant from RETHOS (Preservation Alliance of Minnesota).   MainStreet is looking forward to the purchase and installation of the first pedestrian directional signs in the historic city center.

See the Wayfinding Designs for Downtown Owatonna.

Retail Challenge-2016, 2017, 2018

The Retail Challenge is an entrepreneurial start-up competition designed to spur economic growth in Owatonna’s historic downtown area.  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).  The winning proposal was awarded an incentive package worth $25,000.  The three winning businesses are:  Straight River Rughooking & Fiber Arts, 2016; Dream Day Bridals by Marcia, 2017 & The Music Space in 2018.  Thanks to the EDA and Owatonna Businesses for partnering for this great program!

HISTORIC PRESERVATION

FACADE PROGRAM 2019:

In 2019 10 properties were awarded an EDA forgivable loan for facade renovations through a partnership with the City of Owatonna Economic Development Authority, Owatonna Business Center and MainStreet.  Look to start seeing the results summer of 2020.  Check back for more information.

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.

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.

Contact Lisa Cochran for questions:

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

Accredited Main Main Street America Program