Community Spotlight: Historic River District
October 18, 2021 | Ben White
Our Affiliate Tier is home to many different types of communities from urban pilot programs enrolled in Saint Louis Main Streets, community programs getting started through the Community Empowerment Grant (CEG) program, and communities that have graduated out of the CEG program and are strong, sustainable revitalization organizations like the Historic River District, the Main Street program in Ozark, Missouri.
The Historic River District fully utilized their time in the Community Empowerment Grant program (formerly the Affiliate Grant Program) and built the foundation of a strong, sustainable organization that is making an impact in downtown Ozark. Chris Schafer, the President of Historic River District, remarked about their organizations time in the CEG program:
“I would recommend the grant services to anyone that is looking to improve their community. The training and structure that was given through these grant services were second to none from an organization (Main Street) that truly understands what it takes to improve your downtown community. It is unbelievable how much support and information is available on what to do to improve your community and how to go about it. The training opportunities that were afforded to us gave the direction and guidance for what each committee needed to work.”
Chris Schafer lists the amazing things that have happened in their community since graduating out of the Community Empowerment Grant from placemaking and beautification to community amenities to even events:
• A veterans tribute on the anniversary of the end of the WWI in conjunction with the Christian County Museum and the local American Legion;
• Trunk or Treat Event on the Square;
• Cruising the Square event;
• The Heart of Ozark Gala;
• Haunted Walking Tour program in the fall;
• Friday Night Parade of Lights;
• A beautiful mural along South Jackson Street; and
• A new Gazebo on the Christian County square.
“This Affiliate Grant also helped us to build strong relationships with both city and county government. It has been a blessing to our organization and our community,” Chris Schafer.
If you are interested in revitalizing your downtown using the structured services and resources of the Community Empowerment Grant program, please reach out to Program Outreach Specialist Ben White at ben@momainstreet.org or (816) 560-1722 for more information.
