2022 was another very active and successful year for Main Street Marion.  Our efforts to assist in the revitalization of the City of Marion continue.

 

Providing a central base of operations at the Wilbourne Building for the UA Honor’s College Fellows’ visit in May as well as hosting the community dinner at the end of their visit was rewarding.  It’s an honor to work closely with the team from the University of Alabama every year as they donate their time and energy with a myriad of service projects beneficial to our community.

 

Volunteering with the City of Marion to provide a fun and successful Trunk or Treat experience for our local children is always rewarding.  Many thanks to the Project Horseshoe Farms fellows for their assistance giving out candy to the community.

 

Main Street Marion also installed Christmas Tree Lane in the Pocket Park and continues to decorate the empty storefronts in the downtown area for Christmas.  The entire community enjoys the festive look of the town during the Holiday season.

 

Annual projects are only one contribution Main Street made in 2022.  Main Street Marion is committed to actively assisting The City of Marion to bring much needed infrastructure to the area. Through a team effort organized by Mayor Dexter Hinton, Main Street Marion assisted in obtaining an ATRIP streetscape improvement grant focusing on Highway 14 and the downtown square.  This project will begin in March of 2023 and will significantly enhance our community.

 

Main Street Marion is also investing in the future of the City of Marion through the restoration of our historic structures downtown.  The Nathan Harris Building renovation has begun with a new roof being installed.  The Wilbourne Building Project was completed and the Marion Art Center had its Grand Opening in September.  The Wilbourne Building, recently on the Historic Tour of Homes, now holds a Civil Rights exhibit titled “It Started in Marion” which is gaining National media attention.  The “Welcome to Historic Marion” mural is an amazing selfie spot for tourists as well.  The Marion Art Center has become a lovely and well utilized community space.  Receptions, community meetings, book club events, family dinners, baby showers, and visits with Santa Claus have all been held in the Marion Art Center in 2022.  

 

Finally, working closely with Opportunity Alabama, Main Street Marion was awarded $150,000.00 grant for use as a revolving loan fund for our local business owners.  This fund is a huge win for our community and will assist with the growth of our downtown small businesses.

 

Main Street Marion looks forward to continued partnership with the City of Marion towards the goal of revitalization of Marion’s historic downtown and business corridor.  2023 will be another wonderful year.  #MovingMarionForward, #OneMarion.