For decades, historic downtown neighborhoods have faced challenges stemming from retail epicenters relocating to suburban malls and areas outside of cities. The trend has left numerous historic buildings vacant and many downtown communities fighting for their survival. This reoccurring problem led to the formation of a Main Street project by the National Historic Trust in 1980, to help revitalize downtowns in small cities all across America. Many cities have adopted all-encompassing Main Street programs, while others simply incorporate certain facets into their plans for economic development, historic preservation, and city management. In Maryland, Frederick, Easton, Cambridge, and, most notably, Annapolis, are among those using the Main Street program to improve downtown areas with tremendous success.
Businesses in Downtown Annapolis face fierce competition from three major shopping malls nearby, so, in 2008, city officials adopted the MainStreets Annapolis Program (MAP) to establish a framework to prevent the exodus of business and help fill vacant historic buildings. Unfortunately, the program was not fully understood and it lacked the proper infrastructure, leadership, and staff needed to make it successful. The plan faded out until 2010, when officials, learning from previous mistakes, re-concentrated efforts to boost business downtown and restarted MAP. Under the reorganized format, the city government plays a key role by providing a small annual budget of $12,500 and staff members in order to create a direct connection with the program.
Much of the program’s success the second time around can be attributed to proper leadership. MAP has a Board of Directors led by President Steve Samaras, VP Veronica Tovey, and Secretary/Treasurer Doug Smith. The committee oversees the implementation of initiatives and makes sure resources are being appropriated properly. In addition to the Board of Directors, leadership provided by Annapolis’ Chief of Historic Preservation, Lisa Craig, has been highly influential since 2010. Her understanding of the historic heritage of Annapolis and relentless commitment to improving downtown has evolved into a role of unofficial executive director for the program and has been paramount to its success.
The MainStreets Annapolis Program, intentionally plural to reflect the five distinct downtown neighborhoods that each have their own personality and business community, relies on over 50 volunteers who are dedicated to improving Annapolis’ future. Volunteers work in groups to plan, promote, and design ways to attract, retain, and expand business in Downtown Annapolis. One way this is accomplished is through educational seminars for businesses that help improve knowledge of marketing, retail strategy, social networking, and other ways to increase clientele. MAP also consists of a ‘Legacy Program’ designed to recognize, promote, and thank businesses that have remained in town for 50 or more years. In addition, MAP adds support to already existing events and programs in Annapolis, such as Restaurant Week and the Fringe Festival, and promotes them as a way to improve business in the downtown neighborhoods.
Tug of War line being stretched across Spa Creek
One example is the annual Tug of War competition held in Eastport each November. The Maritime Republic of Eastport has hosted this popular event since 1999, but MAP’s organization helped increase participation from businesses on the Annapolis side of the creek, so that the neighborhoods are “pulling together” for a good cause. Thirty-three person teams representing the Army and Navy, police and fire department, and other groups from similar industries compete against each other with a special 1700 ft long rope stretched across Spa Creek. As the longest tug of war competition in existence and the only one to take place across a major body of water, this event draws thousands of people and is a great way to enhance business downtown.
Not only does MAP support existing initiatives, but also organizes its own. The ‘pocket park’ located in a once abandoned lot on Main St is one such project. Now in its 3rd year, the pocket park is used as a social spot for community functions, seasonal celebrations, free lance musicians and artists, and downtown shoppers. The park is maintained and updated multiple times per year entirely by volunteers, adding a modern element to complement the historic nature of the community, and increasing its appeal to both businesses and consumers.
Efforts to revitalize Downtown Annapolis are still in their infancy, compared to similar programs around the nation, but have already seen a positive impact on business enhancement, commercial development, and historic preservation. With continued hard work by city officials, program leaders, and volunteers who love Annapolis, MAP’s influence will continue to expand and play a key role in the future of the city for generations to come.
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