What is Main Street all about?

Columbia is one of 21 Main Street towns in Louisiana, one of 1,200 nationwide participants in a program that stresses economic revitalization through historic preservation. The goal of the program, which is funded jointly through the town, parish, and state, is to retain the small-town flavor of Columbia as the Caldwell Parish seat, while improving the economy and quality of life of the entire community.
Columbia has been applying the Main Street philosophy since May of 1993, but became part of the official state program in July, 1995. What has it meant to the community?
Take a look.....

Economic Improvements

40 buildings rehabilitated
12 new businesses created
33 new jobs created

Community Developments

restored and opened Schepis Museum, May, 1994
"Witch Way to Main Street"
"Caldwell Country Christmas"
Riverside Concert Band
Caldwell Community Choir
Caldwell Community Theater
Main Street Memory Lane
River access project: dock, ramp, and Riverwalk

Recognition

1994 Preservation Alliance Corporate Award (Schepis Restoration)
1995 "Success Story in Rural Tourism" for Columbia Downtown Project
1996 Louisiana Municipal Association "Community Acheivement Award"
1997 Several awards presented May 14,1997, at the First Annual Main Street Awards Banquet in Baton Rouge.... 1997 Louisiana Main Street Awards

(It's about)"...the sounds of coins dropping into a cash register.. the sound of hammers and saws as storefronts are renovated, the sounds of voices and footsteps as people move in and out of shops and offices. The healthy sound of a community's heartbeat.
.....(also) treasure. The treasure of buildings and people and traditions that lies at the core of every town. A treasure celebrated in nostalgic books and movies, but often overlooked or abandoned in real life. A treasure rediscovered, polished to a high gloss and put to vibrant use..."
---------------------------------------------------------Dwight Young, National Trust, 1995

The Main Street Program is administered by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and affiliated State and local agencies. In Louisiana it is a part of the Division of Culture, Recreation, and Tourism of the Office of the Lieutenant Governor.

Back to Main Street Columbia Home Page

Main Street Columbia
P.O. Box 1701
Columbia, LA 71418
(318) 649-2138
mail to: Main Street Columbia