Thirty-two communities now part of the downtown revitalization program
NASHVILLE—Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Randy Boyd announced today that Pulaski, located in Giles County, has achieved Tennessee Main Street accreditation. The community joins 31 other Tennessee Main Street communities that are accredited through the state program and the National Main Street Center, a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
“We are excited to have a growing community like Pulaski be a part of our thriving and successful group of Tennessee Main Street communities,” Boyd said. “These communities have put a strong effort into growing and revitalizing their downtown commercial districts, and we look forward to working with our partners in Pulaski as they continue their hard work to better their community.”
Downtown Pulaski’s commercial district is part of a National Register Historic District and contains the traditional town square, anchored by the Giles County Courthouse and surrounded by retail and service businesses, a historic theater, and college.
“Pulaski’s downtown commercial core includes a collection of nationally recognized historic buildings that are still home to retailers and service businesses,” Assistant Commissioner of Rural Development Amy New said. “We applaud the community of Pulaski for taking this step in Main Street accreditation to help their downtown grow as a home to thriving business and an arts and entertainment center for the community.”
As part of the Tennessee Main Street program, Pulaski will have access to technical assistance and funding opportunities to continue to make downtown improvements. In 2015, accredited Tennessee Main Street communities generated more than $71.4 million of public/private investment and created 737 new jobs.
Pulaski’s accreditation is based upon a successful application submitted by the community. The Tennessee Main Street Program requires communities to illustrate a commitment from local government and other local organizations, an adequate organizational budget, a strong historic preservation ethic, a collection of historic commercial buildings and a walkable district.
Accredited Tennessee Main Street communities are spread across the state and include Athens, Bolivar, Bristol, Brownsville, Cleveland, Collierville, Columbia, Cookeville, Dayton, Dyersburg, Fayetteville, Franklin, Gallatin, Greeneville, Jackson, Jonesborough, Kingsport, Lawrenceburg, Lebanon, McKenzie, McMinnville, Morristown, Murfreesboro, Ripley, Rogersville, Savannah, Sevierville, Sweetwater, Tiptonville, Union City and Winchester.
The Pulaski Main Street application was supported by Sen. Joey Hensley (R – Hohenwald) and Rep. Barry Doss (R – Leoma) in the Tennessee General Assembly.
About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development
The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s mission is to develop strategies which help make Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs. To grow and strengthen Team Tennessee, the department seeks to attract new corporate investment in Tennessee and works with Tennessee companies to facilitate expansion and economic growth. Tennessee is the only three-time winner of “State of the Year” for economic development by Business Facilities magazine. Find us on the web: tnecd.com. Follow us on Twitter: @tnecd. Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/tnecd.
###
