The National Main Street Program was initiated in 1977 by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Currently, Main Street is a nationwide program committed to downtown revitalization in more than 1,600 communities. In Florida, more than 50 communities are active in the Florida Main Street Program.
The Main Street approach advocates a return to community self-reliance and emphasizes the downtown district’s traditional assets of personal service, local ownership, unique architecture, and sense of community. The program integrates four organizational functions into a “Four-Point Approach†and establishes a practical revitalization strategy to produce fundamental and lasting improvements to Homestead’s economic base.
The Homestead Main Street organization was formed after Hurricane Andrew devastated South Dade. Founded in 1993, it was instrumental in bringing state and federal grants to rebuild the downtown business district. Throughout the 90s, Main Street worked with the City, merchants, and cultural groups to upgrade and promote downtown. Homestead Main Street instituted the monthly Friday Fest and Hot Rods car show at Losner Park. Homestead Main Street was also instrumental in kicking off the Homestead Mardi Gras in 2007.