Img 7026 Edited Scaled — Views from Opelika—another Main Street Alabama designated city. (Elizabeth Hobbs / The Bama Buzz)

You may not know it, but having a thriving, central downtown area can uplift a community for generations. After years of involvement, Russellville and Centreville have both officially become fully designated Main Street Alabama cities. Read on for details.

About Main Street Alabama

Launched in 2013, Main Street Alabama is a nonprofit organization that aims to spur growth, spark new investment, attract visitors and generally uplift communities across the state.

They focus on upholding the unique history, culture and attributes of each community to bring sustainable change. Each year, up to three communities are selected to become Designated Communities through Main Street Alabama.

Through programs, exciting events and community building activities, Main Street does more than just make downtown look better, it’s an economic development tool for cities to grow with.

Revitalizing Alabama cities

According to a Facebook post by Downtown Russellville, the city became a Main Street Alabama Network member back in 2016.

Located in Franklin County, Russellville has since graduated to become the pilot program for the Aspiring Tier of Main Street Alabama in 2022. Most recently, Russellville received its full designation.

The Main Street Alabama website gives Russellville a shoutout for the downtown revitalization its seen in recent years, including streetscape improvements, eight loft apartments and a five-room boutique hotel.

“As a Main Street Designated community, Russellville expressed interest in improving building facades and creating an inviting downtown area for residents and visitors alike.”
excerpt from Main Street Alabama

Along with Russellville, Bibb County city Centreville has also been designated as a Main Street Alabama city.

“During the application process, Centreville (pop. 2,781) expressed an interest in the historic restoration of existing uptown buildings while creating a more vibrant and sustainable community. Centreville is a community dedicated to honoring its history through preservation projects, cultivating the natural resources of the Cahaba River, and developing an uptown center focused on economic and community vibrancy.”
excerpt from Main Street Alabama

Fun fact: Centreville was founded in 1823 by John Williams Walker, a former governor of Alabama.

More Main Streets

Main Street Alabama is helping cities across the state, here’s a handful of communities on the list:

View the full list of participating Main Street cities here.

We can’t wait to see how these cities continue to grow from here. Want to take a look at some of the most beautiful main streets in Alabama? Check it out.

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