Athens earns triple recognition for Main Street Revitalization

JASPER – Athens Main Street garnered three Main Street Revitalization awards at the Main Street Alabama awards this week.  The statewide non-profit organization works to revitalize and preserve historic downtowns and commercial districts in Alabama communities.  Athens has been an officially designated Main Street Community in 2013.  

• Excellence in Planning and Public Space – Athens Farmers Market at Doug Gates Park Renovation.  Athens Main Street received recognition for the transformational $800,000 revitalization of the Athens Farmers Market at Doug Gates Park. This multi-phase project expanded vendor space, improved accessibility with ADA-compliant walkways, introduced the county’s first porous asphalt for watershed protection, and added vibrant public art and landscaping. The marquee feature, a new entertainment and education pavilion with a performance stage and youth programming space, has already become a hub for community gatherings. By blending functionality, sustainability, and creativity, the project not only enhanced access to fresh food and supported small businesses but also created a welcoming public space that reflects Athens’ growth and strengthens the heart of downtown.

• Excellence in Volunteer Development – Athens Main Street Hype Team. Designed to expand volunteer engagement and strengthen community connection, the Hype Team combines hospitality with digital storytelling. Volunteers complete orientation in Main Street education, social media best practices, and event hospitality, then commit to serving at least four events annually while creating original content to promote downtown. With 25 diverse members, the Hype Team has added energy and visibility to events like Fridays After Five, broadened Athens Main Street’s digital reach, and given passionate community members a meaningful way to give back.

• Excellence in Business Development  – Business Interruption Grants – Athens Main Street was honored for its swift and impactful response to the EF-1 tornado that struck downtown on December 28, 2024. Recognizing the severe financial strain on local businesses, the Business Storm Relief Fund sought to provide meaningful business interruption grants. Through the generosity of community-minded companies and more than 60 individual donors, $21,250 was raised, which was distributed in full to four downtown businesses most affected by the storm.

“Last night’s event was a heartwarming celebration of the remarkable achievements of our local Main Street programs,” said Main Street Alabama State Director, Mary Wirth. “The inspiring success stories shared at the event truly highlighted the essence of community spirit and collaboration. It’s a testament to the effectiveness of Main Street’s Four-Point Approach in fostering economic development and preserving historic areas.”

Local programs also selected a Main Street Hero that honored an individual, business, or organization that made an outstanding contribution to their program. These Heroes were recognized at the Toast to Heroes Reception sponsored by Regions Bank prior to the banquet.

The City of Athens Public Works was chosen for their tireless support from major in-kind contributions to downtown projects, to keeping events spotless, to responding first in times of crisis all shows their deep commitment to our community. Public Works is truly the backbone of a vibrant, safe, and thriving downtown Athens.

Tere Richardson, Athens Main Street Executive Director thanked Main Street Alabama for recognizing the hard work of local Main Street programs through the Awards of Excellence.

“These honors truly reflect the dedication of so many. I am especially grateful to the City of Athens, Limestone County, our incredible board, and the countless volunteers whose passion and commitment made these achievements possible. Last night’s awards are not just a recognition of Athens Main Street, but a celebration of what we can accomplish together for our community.”