Emporia Main Street's DESIGN programs are run by a committee of volunteers along with Main Street staff. The goal of our design initiatives is to create a vibrant downtown commercial district by enhancing the district's physical and visual assets.
Our design programs work to improve downtown buildings, parking areas, street furniture, signs, sidewalks, street lights, and landscaping. Our design programs also help individual business owners with building design, window display implementation, education, and advice. All design activities are focused on making downtown a welcoming place for residents and visitors, and a place for businesses to thrive.
Additionally, the Design Committee works to preserve the legacy and stories of the Downtown Historic District through a variety of historic preservation activities.
Design Programs
Adopt-a-Garden
Emporia's downtown gardens are all maintained by volunteers. If you love to garden, ask us how you can adopt one!
Historic Tax Credits
If you own property within Downtown Historic District, you may qualify for tax credits on maintenance, upgrades or redevelopment.
Veterans Banners
We honor our heroes every fall with a downtown display of over 200 light pole banners featuring area veterans.
Beyond the Banners
Beyond the Banners is a keepsake book that was created in response to the overwhelming popularity of our Veterans Banner Project.
Other Design Committe Projects
Want to support a vibrant downtown atmosphere?
Our design programs seek to create a pleasant, welcoming environment downtown, which draws shoppers, residents, and visitors. This ultimately benefits not just downtown, but our community as a whole.
Interested in joining the design committee?
The Design Committee perfect for creative types who are willing to their hands dirty, as well those who are interested in or knowledgable about Emporia's history. Click the button below if you'd like to join!
Design Education
Earth Day
Earth Day was Monday of this week, and each year people find ways to gather in parks as they plant trees and talk about recycling to emphasize our commitment to the only habitable planet we know of. It’s important to take care of our home. Leaving things better than you found them should be a…
Continue Reading >Entrepreneurs to Tenants
Millenial and Gen Z entrepreneurs grew up in a “rental” economy. Some of the reasons younger generations largely avoid ownership are economic, but some relate to long term risk aversion. Simply put, younger entrepreneurs often want to try out a concept before making a long term commitment. That process sounds pragmatic, but the concept of…
Continue Reading >Utilization of the Great Outdoors
Spring is officially here, and although the Kansas weather can be a little unpredictable, we can start counting on warmer weather. As the climate gets a little more comfortable, people’s shopping, dining, and travel habits change. Pedestrian and bike traffic increases. Customers linger outside. Runners on the sidewalk, trail walkers, window shoppers, beer garden aficionados,…
Continue Reading >Year in Review 2017
Each year we take one e-news and dedicate it towards looking back over the previous year. We don’t want to linger in the past, but we do want to recognize what occurred as we continue to push forward. A lot was accomplished in 2017, and we anticipate a lot of excitement for new initiatives next…
Continue Reading >The Homegrown Initiative
Emporia Main Street (EMS) is an economic and community development philosophy that operates within the City of Emporia and Lyon County. Using an effective four point approach, adopted from the National Main Street Center, Emporia Main Street works to create a dense and sustainable community where business, properties, developments and people can thrive. After 26…
Continue Reading >4th Quarter Checkup
It’s that magical time of year! Weather starts cooling down, people start thinking about holidays and businesses start promoting themselves to seasonal shoppers. As you enter the 4th Quarter (October, November, and December) it is important to do a “check” of several items relating to your business that enable you to emphasize your brand. Whether…
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