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

Thanks to Julia Seykora, photographer

This spring there were over 1,000 responses from our community members for the Owatonna Restaurant Survey. The detailed information that was gathered was shared with developers who have taken an interest in building up Owatonna. And guess what? The results of that questionnaire have aided in bringing a new Italian restaurant to downtown Owatonna. Your input impacted the outcome. Thank you!

If you haven’t already taken the survey regarding Downtown-The Heart of Owatonna, please take a few minutes to participate. Your input will impact the future of Owatonna!

Take the Downtown Owatonna survey here

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).

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.

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.

Accredited Main Main Street America Program