| Nogales Main Street | ||
Nogales Main Street is an innovative grassroots initiative that utilizes partnerships and local resources and programs to support a comprehensive, incremental approach to revitalizing downtown Nogales. The goal of the initiative is to stimulate long-term economic growth and pride in the city’s business core. Part of a national program, the Main Street approach is a community-driven, comprehensive methodology used to revitalize older, traditional business districts. The Main Street movement advocates a return to community self-reliance, local empowerment, and the rebuilding of traditional commercial districts that capitalizes on its unique assets: its distinctive architecture, pedestrian-friendly environment, personal service, pride in local ownership, and a heartfelt sense of community. The effort began over a decade ago, when the downtown property owners and merchants decided to take the future into their own hands. Committing and pooling their own resources, the organization began the process of building a commercial district responsive to the markets of the new century. The initial goal was to attract more visitors and stimulate growth in the central business district. Today the program enjoys enthusiastic and sustained support from the US Department of Agriculture, the Arizona Department of Commerce, the City of Nogales, Santa Cruz County, Housing and Urban development and other federal agencies. Some of the organization’s accomplishments to date include: Affordable downtown parking: Nogales Community Development Corporation owns and manages three parking lots that provide parking for the employees of the downtown merchants, freeing up street parking for shoppers. Public art projects: Murals and other public art projects are scattered throughout the area, reflecting Nogales’ unique culture and history. Improved lighting and pedestrian seating: Lighting was modified on Terrace and Nelson Avenues, and colorful benches painted by local youth were placed throughout the downtown area. Maintenance and remodeling of Karam Park facilities: The Downtown Merchants signed a “Memorandum of Understanding” with the City of Nogales to update and maintain the downtown bathrooms. To ensure cleanliness, there is an attendant on hand during business hours. Facade Program: A program was initiated to assist business and property owners in enhancing the appearance of existing commercial areas. Morley Avenue Entrepreneurial Development Area: Using a grant from HUD, the organization has plans to transform the current dirt lot on Morley Avenue into additional parking and install kiosks to provide commercial space for local micro-businesses. Morley Avenue Streetscape and Terrace Avenue Improvements: The organization is an active partner with the City of Nogales on both of these major revitalization projects. |
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This site hosted by Nogales Community Development Corporation |
