How to Showcase Historic Preservation and Revitalization on Main Street

Your downtown is changing - do not let that story go untold.

The projects you take on - restoring a building, repaving a plaza, painting a mural - deliver tremendous value. But too often, the people you serve do not know that they are happening or what they mean.  That should not be the case.

Whether it is a major revitalization or a quiet improvement, documenting and sharing your progress connects the community to your mission, builds pride, and gives people a reason to care.

You are not writing a press release - you are telling the story behind the progress, and inviting others to come along for the ride. This is what we call Business Blogging.

Scroll down to follow our prompt-based approach and download the free worksheet to make sharing your progress simple and repeatable.

Why It Matters

If you do not tell your story, who will?

You will raise awareness and visibility.
“How many people still do not know we have a Main Street organization?” Answer that with stories.

You will create community buy-in before you break ground.
Share updates early and often to give people a reason to cheer you on and get involved.

You will grow pride and momentum.
Showcasing your progress helps people feel more connected to their town and more likely to support it.

Bottom line?
Preservation and revitalization are full of emotional moments. Share them and you grow trust, foot traffic, and support.

Why It Works

Every project has a natural story arc - start, challenge, progress, and success.

A content-led approach works well because:

It transforms overlooked work into shared victories.
Even a repainted facade becomes meaningful when people understand why it matters.

It builds connection and trust.
Behind-the-scenes updates give the community a front-row seat and something to root for.

It drives repeat visits and funding.
When you make people part of the journey, they are more likely to donate, volunteer, or advocate.

It fills your content calendar with purpose.
Progress updates, quotes from local partners, and completion photos - every stage has content baked in.

In short: It works because people care more when they understand what is happening and how it helps them.

Small Steps, Big Wins

Marketing does not have to be complicated.

Pick one project underway (or recently completed)
It does not need to be flashy - it just needs to matter to your community.

Tell the story in phases
From announcement to progress updates to ribbon cutting.

Use simple content to spotlight partners and purpose
Tag local businesses, interview volunteers, and connect the dots.

➡️ One project. One story arc. Maximum community impact.

A Prompt-Based Approach to Historic Preservation Content

Use these prompts to tell the story of your next project or revitalization effort:

1. What building, space, or streetscape are you highlighting?

2. Why is it significant - historically, culturally, or economically?

3. What state was it in before the project began?

4. What work is being done, and who is involved?

5. How will this project improve your downtown?

6. What has been the community’s reaction so far?

7. What do people assume about preservation projects that is not true, or what do you wish more people understood?

Pro tip: Treat it like the Indianapolis Children's Museum - show progress, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and give people a reason to care at every stage.

Get Going - Free Worksheet Download

✅ Fill-in-the-blank prompts to guide your blog or post
✅ A space to highlight restoration efforts, community stories, and future impact
✅ A spot to add quotes or updates from volunteers, partners, or planners