Jacksonville Main Street

Jacksonville Main Street is an alliance of business and property owners, private and government agency partners, residents, and concerned citizens dedicated to ensuring downtown continues along its revitalization journey. The entire community are stakeholders in the success of the city's 44-block historic entrepreneurial center. Since 1999, the group has been actively improving the heart of Jacksonville with heritage-based murals, historical attractions, public events, holiday decorations, Big Eli benches, monument restoration and lighting, and resource developments like low interest loans and a Facade Improvement Grant program. The locally funded, volunteer driven independent non-profit educates about the value of preserving and celebrating its history while encouraging new business startups and development by involving people from all walks. Jacksonville Main Street has earned over 40 state and national honors for its placemaking work, including Illinois Main Street Lt. Governor's Awards in Excellence in Downtown Revitalization, Governor's Hometown Award, 2 Richard Driehaus preservation awards, and a Great American Main Street Award.

Our mission is to enhance the quality of life, cultivate historic integrity, and help businesses thrive through partnerships and programming in downtown Jacksonville. Jacksonville Main Street envisions a vibrant and thriving downtown for all. Our family-friendly concerts, special events, and arts related projects bring people to the historic central business district, increasing exposure for the many small businesses we support through training and promotional activities. The 501c3 charity also provides property owners with access to incentive programs that assist with finding new uses for old buildings.