ABOUT MAIN STREET FAIRMONT
In recent years, MSF has capitalized on its successes with the establishment of a façade and sign grant program which has transformed the city’s architectural landscape. MSF also has partnered with other local organizations to strengthen support for complementary programs. Recently, the organization co-sponsored the Fairmont Southside Blueprint Community Panel with the Fairmont Community Development Partnership in an effort to revitalize Southside Fairmont, a gateway community to downtown. The Blueprint program is a $20,000 grant program sponsored by the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh. This collaboration has spawned a remarkable transformation in this neighborhood.
Main Street West Virginia’s annual awards ceremony has honored MSF over the last several years with the outstanding Design, Promotion, Organization and Economic Restructuring Committee awards. Vera Sansalone, Executive Director of Main Street Fairmont has been recognized as one of the state’s best program managers. Additionally, Main Street West Virginia bestowed our group with numerous special project awards, recognizing MSF as an organization dedicated to its community.
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Perhaps the most telling example of MSF’s impact in the community is the reinvestment statistics between 1994 and 2007. Because of MSF’s efforts, the city gained 69 new businesses, 218 new jobs and rehabilitated over 137 buildings. In the past 13 years, over $53 million dollars was publicly invested in the town while over $11 million dollars was privately invested in our downtown district.
The city of Fairmont is ripe for growth for both commercial and residential development. By encouraging new investment in the Southside, Downtown and the Riverfront area, the economic tax base will increase, quality affordable housing will be available and the city center will again become a vibrant part of the community.
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