COOKEVILLE – CityScape has been designated as a Main Street America™ accredited program for meeting rigorous performance standards. Each year, Main Street America and its partners announce the list of accredited programs to recognize their exceptional commitment to preservation-based economic development and community revitalization through the Main Street Approach™.
CityScape is a recognized leading program among the 41 Tennessee and 1,200 national communities who share a commitment to creating high-quality places.
“We are extremely proud to recognize this year’s nationally Accredited Main Street America programs that have worked tirelessly to advance economic vitality and quality of life in their downtowns and commercial districts,” said Patrice Frey, President & CEO of Main Street America. “During another incredibly challenging year, these programs demonstrated the power of the Main Street movement to respond to the needs of their communities. I am inspired by their steadfast leadership and innovative solutions to drive essential local recovery efforts, support small businesses and nurture vibrant downtown districts.”
In 2021, Main Street America programs generated $5.76 billion in local reinvestment, helped open 6,601 net new businesses, generated 30,402 net new jobs, catalyzed the rehabilitation of 10,595 historic buildings and leveraged 1,427,729 volunteer hours. On average, for every dollar that a Main Street program spent to support their operations, it generated $19.34 of new investment back into Main Street communities.
CityScape’s performance is annually evaluated by Tennessee Main Street, which works in partnership with Main Street America to identify the local programs that meet rigorous national performance standards such as, fostering strong public-private partnerships, supporting small and locally owned businesses and actively preserving historic places, spaces and cultural assets.
“Downtown Cookeville is a visible indicator of our immense community pride. Our local businesses, green spaces and special events add to the quality of life for residents and are must-see destinations for visitors,” stated Holly Freeman, CityScape Executive Director. “Receiving this accreditation would not have been possible without the CityScape Board of Directors, City of Cookeville, Putnam County, annual donors, downtown business owners and residents. I would like to thank them all for their support of our Main Street program as we work to make downtown Cookeville a more vibrant, beautiful and welcoming place.”
In 2021, CityScape reported $1.3 million in public/private reinvestment in Cookeville’s historic commercial districts through 17 building rehabilitation projects, six public improvement projects and one new building construction. Festivals and special events such as Fall FunFest, Wine on the WestSide, Cooking on the Square, Dogwood Park concerts and movies, Christmas in the Park and more attracted over 65,000 people to downtown Cookeville. Dedicated volunteers contributed an estimated 11,900 hours of work. Cookeville remains a top-tier Tennessee Main Street program with one of the lowest ground-floor vacancy rates in the state – 4.4% to the state average of 8-12%.
To stay informed of future CityScape plans, visit cookevillecityscape.com and follow along on Facebook and Instagram.
