Silverton Main Street Community

In May 2023, the Town of Silverton was accepted into the Department of Local Affairs’ Colorado Main Street Program and SJDA is hosting the program. The Silverton Main Street Program is directed by a three-year roadmap which outlines four strategic priorities aligned to its mission and vision:

To create a cohesive and collaborative business community that supports the vibrancy of the historic core along Greene and Blaire Streets.
To provide technical assistance and resources for businesses to support historic preservation and beautification of properties.
To advocate for and support the implementation of streetscape, wayfinding and beautifications efforts in the historic core
To develop a year-round sustainable and thriving downtown economy.

Within each strategic priority, key activities were identified that support the priority and outlines a pathway for success. More information on the strategic roadmap can be found below.

Organization

Gets everyone working toward the same goal and assembles the appropriate human and financial resources to implement a Main Street revitalization program.

A governing board, volunteers, and specific project committees for a volunteer-driven program.
A Main Street Manager to coordinate the work and be a point of contact, both for locals and the state program.

Promotion

Sells a positive image of the commercial district and encourages consumers and
investors to live, work, shop, play, and invest in the Main Street district.

Market unique characteristics with an effective promotional strategy forges a positive image.
Improve consumer confidence and encourage commercial activity and investment.

Design

Puts Main Street into top physical shape, rehabilitating historic buildings, encouraging
appropriate new construction, and developing sensible design management and planning.

Capitalize on assets — such as historic buildings and pedestrian-oriented streets.
Create an inviting atmosphere (attractive window displays, street furniture, signs, sidewalks, lights and landscaping)

Economic Vitality

Strengthens existing economic assets while expanding and diversifying its economic base to create jobs, respond to consumer needs.

Sharpen competitiveness of existing business owner.
Foster entrepreneurial start-ups and expansions and recruit compatible new businesses and economic uses.

Projects funded and completed by the Main Street program

Barricade Beautification Project

The Barricade Beautification project was made possible through funding from the Town of Silverton’s Main Street Mini Grants. This initiative builds on the town’s annual support of businesses by providing barricades for their bump-outs during the summer season. The goal of the project is to enhance the visual appeal of these barricades with railing planter boxes filled with flowers, facing the street. By offering these resources at no cost to businesses, the project allows them to improve their storefronts without financial strain. The funding secured through the mini grant will sustain this beautification effort for multiple years, ensuring that the barricades and planters continue to enhance Silverton’s historic core each summer. This ongoing project plays a key role in advocating for the beautification of our Main Street community, helping to create a more welcoming and attractive environment for both visitors and residents.

Art Through the Seasons

We’re thrilled to welcome back the Art Through the Seasons program for another off-season, thanks in part to funding from the Main Street Mini Grant. This program, which received support for the 2024/2025 season, was created to enhance our Main Street community during seasonal or permanent business closures. By showcasing local art in vacant storefront windows, we aim to maintain visual interest and vibrancy in the downtown area. Not only does this initiative improve the appearance of buildings, but it also offers local artists a unique opportunity for high-impact exposure.

A big thank you to the participating businesses, building owners, and artists for helping to elevate Silverton’s cultural identity. We also appreciate the support of CO Main Street and San Juan County for sponsoring this project. For more information, please contact Sarah Moore at smoore@sanjuandevelopment.com.

Main Street Open for Business

Silverton was awarded $612,849.30 in grant funding from Colorado Main Street: Open for Business in 2021. These funds went towards new roofs and windows, solar panel installation, exterior painting, and energy efficient appliances and greatly improved the appearance and energy efficiency within Silverton’s downtown.

ADA Accessible Tables

Main Street CO and the AARP Foundation awarded SJDA a $5,000 accessibility grant to purchase four brand-new ADA-accessible tables for the Town of Silverton’s parks and facilities. This grant will enhance accessibility and ADA access in our local parks and recreation areas including Kendall, Anesi, and Memorial Park.

SJDA Website Revamp

The San Juan Development Website revamp utilized Main Street Mini Grant funds and funs from the Ballentine Family Foundation to enhance the site’s design and functionality, making it more accessible for local businesses and the community. These funds allowed us to focus on targeted outreach to local businesses and provide educational resources to strengthen and support our Main Street community.