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Story of the Organization
On July 8, 1999, the first meeting of concerned citizens about the Downtown/Tower Square met with Valecia Crisafulli, Illinois Main Street coordinator. Approximately 80 community members attended this meeting for the PURPOSE: TO RE-ESTABLISH AND REVITALIZE THE MARION DOWNTOWN AREA.
This group of citizens became the catalyst formed to promote economic strength and community pride primarily on Tower Square as well as the immediate surrounding district. In cooperation with the City of Marion and the Marion Chamber of Commerce, Main Street saw an opportunity to develop and implement a preservation-based economic development strategy
for downtown.
Marion has the good fortune to be located on Interstate 57, an hour south of Interstate 64 and approximately 20 minutes north of Interstate 24. In addition, Interstate 55 is approximately 1 hour south and Interstate 70 approximately 2 hours to the north. These interstates provide Marion with excellent access to major cities such as Chicago, Indianapolis, St Louis, Louisville, Kansas City, Atlanta, etc. Marion also has the Crab Orchard and Egyptian Railroad, a local freight line covering approximately 18 miles. This railroad connects with Burlington Northern Railway and Union Pacific Railroad, once again giving excellent access for freight across the entire country.
The community's diverse demographics support nearly 100 downtown businesses offering specialty shopping, services, and dining. Downtown also boasts varied social activities, such as the Pet Parade, Marion Pride Day, Christmas on the Square and Senior High School home coming parades. The Marion Cultural and Civic Center, destroyed by fire, is currently under construction.
Main Street's volunteer Board of Directors consists of businesspeople and residents, along with representatives from the City, Bankers, and Chamber of Commerce. Ongoing programs focus on establishing partnerships between the business community, residents, and the City on the revitalization process. Efforts have resulted in improved buildings, business development, increased business visitation, and a renewed sense of pride within the community.
As a result of the original meeting held in July 1999, Marion Main Street became designated in 2002 as one of over 50 cities and towns to participate in the Illinois Main Street program. This is a cooperative effort of the Illinois Lieutenant Governor, the Department of Commerce and Community Affairs, and the National Historic Preservation Agency. .This allows Marion Main Street to receive on going technical assistance from Illinois Main Street in the areas of organization, promotion, design, and economic restructuring.
In 2001, Marion Main Street hired its first full-time Executive Director. Today Main Street continues its long-term commitment to revitalizing downtown Marion. Business participation in promotional activities are increasing and advantage of the Main Street downtown low interest loan program is being utilized. Businesses, including other communities, are taking a second look and are becoming a part of the revitalization of the downtown district.
Feel free to review our significant accomplishments.
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