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Relocation to help nourish ‘sense of unity’ downtown
Elgin’s Main Street Program has a new home in one of the city’s oldest buildings, planting its revitalization efforts in the heart of the downtown district it has long worked to preserve.
The program relocated its offices to the former H&TC Freight Depot, 114 Central Ave., as it earned national accreditation for another year as a Main Street America program. Elgin has participated in the program since 1990 and has maintained accredited status since 1999.
Main Street Manager Kristina Alvarez said the move will make the program more accessible to downtown businesses and residents, bringing with it a sense of unity.
“People don’t understand what a Main Street city means, and my goal has been to bring that visibility to the top, so people know what it means and what our benefit is and how it helps the town,” Alvarez said. “It also just gives more visibility that we’re here and we’re doing that work and how we can all work together.”
Alvarez said the location reinforces the program’s commitment to preserving Elgin’s historic character even as the city grows.
“Keeping these buildings intact and keeping that center kind of gives you that safe space,” she said. “No matter how big it gets, you’ve got that spot where you know you can go watch that Christmas parade and feel like your hometown.”
The program supports downtown businesses, organizes community events, encourages preservation efforts and promotes tourism. Looking ahead, Alvarez said the organization is working on new public art initiatives and additional state designations aimed at boosting tourism and community engagement, and encouraged residents and business owners to get involved.
“Come out and see what we’re all about and come enjoy your downtown,” Alvarez said.
