ABOUT DOWNTOWN WASHINGTON, INC.

Read the history of Downtown Washington, Inc.

Downtown Washington, Inc., formerly a merchant's committee since the early 1970's, was formed in 1989 when the City of Washington was selected as one of the first five pilot communities for the Missouri Main Street Program.

Downtown Washington, Inc. has maintained its status as a Missouri Main Street Program and as a National Main Street Community to this day. The organization was recognized in 2000, 2001 and 2002 as one of the 20 semi-finalists in the Great American Main Street Awards - the highest honor a Main Street Program can receive.

In 1995, volunteers dedicated themselves to restoring the historic character and charm to a building on the corner of Second and Jefferson Streets. Built circa 1835, the horizontal hewn log house now serves as the Downtown Washington, Inc. office.

Downtown Washington, Inc. proudly sponsors the Art Fair & Winefest, Spring & Fall Sidewalk Sales, Easter Promotion, Fall Festival of the Arts & Crafts, Halloween Family Fun Night and Holiday Parade of Lights.

Downtown Washington, Inc.’s Mission Mission Statement
Our job is to balance historic preservation with economic development - the city's past with its future - while promoting downtown's many charms and facilitating positive activities.

The purpose of Downtown Washington, Inc. is to enhance downtown's historic identity, to cultivate a center of activity, and to foster the preservation and development of Washington's unique cultural and architectural heritage. This is done through concentrated efforts of design, economic development, promotion, and organization.

Why is Downtown Development Important?
Downtown development increases the tax base to the city by taking unoccupied or underutilized buildings and converting them into revenue-producing businesses.

Downtown development diversifies the business mix and recruits new businesses. Money that would be spent elsewhere is circulated locally.

Downtown development increases tourism and visitor dollars.

Downtown development makes use of expenditures such as sewers, street lamps, benches and sidewalks that have been paid for with tax dollars.

Downtown development protects the historic character of the Washington community which is preserved in its downtown buildings.

Downtown Washington, Inc. Board of Directors
The Board of Directors is comprised of business leaders representing the downtown's diversity of talents and professions. This dedicated group of volunteers helps to direct and balance our work in historic preservation, economic development, promotion and organization. Meet our Board of Directors: