The National Trust for Historic Preservation hosted the 2009 National Main Streets Convention in Chicago last weekend, where Federal Hill Main Street was named as one of the five Great American Main Streets.
What makes a good Main Street? According to the National Trust Main Street Center, the key is finding a balance between honoring the old and ushering in the new, a mix of historical preservation and economic revitalization. Essentially, it’s preservation-based commercial development, with a focus on community engagement. Razing your beautiful old brick buildings and cobblestone streets to usher in a generic strip mall with nationally-owned stores = bad; a Main Street with distinctive architecture, local ownership, and a sense of community = good.
So it makes some sense that Federal Hill is getting prizes. It’s an immediately charming neighborhood, but the award recognizes all the work that’s being done behind the scenes. Since the local Main Street program began eight years ago, over 85 new businesses have opened (and stayed open!) in the neighborhood; 14 have expanded. The program has also helped 40-plus businesses update their facades, installed 41 Victorian-style pedestrian streetlights, planted trees, created a park, and hosted festivals. (Like the upcoming Federal Hill Fest of All — more on that soon.)
But while we’re proud of Federal Hill and always happy to see Baltimore topping lists that don’t have to do with crime rates, we’re also a little surprised. Compared with similar historic neighborhoods in D.C., Federal Hill can’t seem to keep its streets clean—why are Baltimore streets so dirty? Plenty more could be done to do the neighborhood justice: some more big, leafy trees; maybe a brick sidewalk… and people coming in to pick up the trash.
Do you think Federal Hill is living up to its potential? What more could be done?
Posted in: City Living, Development News, Federal HillNo Comments
Federall Hill has come a long way in recent years but until we get the corruption out of city hall this city will continue to be seen as second rate. We pay 2.3% property taxes and there is trash everywhere. Guess we have to help make sure Shelia can keep up her expensive lifestyle.