The Explore Historic Plymouth program was developed in 2006 to enhance historic Plymouth — a highly visible indicator of quality of life, rich history, and community pride of Plymouth. The district can either recruit or deter new residents, new businesses and industries, retirees, and tourists. The Main Street Approach™ encourages forward-thinking economic development in a historic preservation context so this community asset can be passed on to future generations.

The Explore Historic Plymouth program is based on the successful Main Street Approach™, a community-driven technique used to revitalize downtown districts throughout the United States. This common-sense approach encourages a return to community self-reliance, local empowerment, and the rebuilding of traditional commercial districts based on their unique assets: distinctive architecture, a pedestrian-friendly environment, personal service, local ownership, and a sense of community.

The Main Street Four-Point Approach™ encompasses work in four distinct areas — Design, Economic Restructuring, Promotion, and Organization (Community) — that are combined to address all of the commercial district's needs. The Boston Main Streets Project added a fifth component — Technology — to help small businesses become more competitive with shopping malls and plazas.

The Main Street Approach™ is not designed to produce immediate change. The process takes time and requires leadership and local capacity building.

Who benefits from commercial district revitalization?
Why does a community even need a vibrant commercial district?
The Facts of Life about Commercial District Revitalization
The Eight Guiding Principles of the Main Street Center Approach's Success
Find out about Success Stories of Main Street programs nationwide.
See the average economic reinvestment statistics that existing organizations have achieved.