About Main Street
WHAT IS MAIN STREET?
For decades, the Main Street movement has been reimagining how communities breathe new life into their downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts. It's more than just a program—it's a proven blueprint for transformation, a thriving network of connected communities, and a national leader in downtown revitalization.
Our Approach
The Main Street Four-Point Approach is a comprehensive economic development strategy that helps communities unlock their downtown's full potential. Rather than starting from scratch, we build on what makes each place special: historic architecture, local culture, homegrown businesses, and deep community pride.
This holistic framework addresses the real challenges facing traditional commercial districts—from empty storefronts to parking concerns, from building preservation to business recruitment. It's a roadmap that works because it's grounded in local assets and driven by community voices.
Part of Something Bigger
We're proud to be part of the Tennessee Main Street program, which connects us to a powerful statewide network and the National Main Street Center, a subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. This means we have access to decades of best practices, expert guidance, and a community of peers who share our commitment to downtown vitality.
Together, we're not just preserving buildings—we're preserving the heart of our community.
Our Mission
We're building a downtown that works for everyone—where historic charm meets modern vitality, where businesses flourish, and where residents and visitors discover why Mount Pleasant is such a special place to be.
Our vision
Picture a downtown where you can stroll safely past beautifully preserved buildings, pop into unique local shops, enjoy a great meal, and bump into neighbors. That's the Mount Pleasant we're creating—a place where community happens naturally and everyone feels at home.
DIVERSITY AND EQUITY IN DOWNTOWN MOUNT PLEASANT
Main Street Mount Pleasant believes our downtown is strongest when everyone has a seat at the table. We're committed to building shared prosperity, championing equal access to opportunity, and ensuring that every person—regardless of background—feels welcome, valued, and empowered to participate in our community's success.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION
Our historic downtown isn't a museum—it's a living, working testament to Mount Pleasant's character and resilience. Main Street Mount Pleasant champions preservation as economic development, showing that our architectural heritage is one of our most valuable assets.
The Main Street Approach returns power to local communities, encouraging us to build on what makes us distinctive rather than chasing generic development. Our downtown offers what chain developments never can:
Architecture with soul and story
Streets designed for people, not just cars
Businesses owned by neighbors who care
Service that's personal, not scripted
A genuine sense of belonging
Through our accreditation with the National Main Street Program and Tennessee Main Street Program, Mount Pleasant joins communities nationwide that are proving historic downtowns aren't relics—they're the future.