Fairmont Receives National Recognition for Progress

During a time when economic decline is a national trend, one West Virginia city is being honored for its growth and development.

Fairmont was one of five cities nationally recognized by the National Trust for Historic Preservation in Washington, D.C., with a 2010 Great American Main Street Award.

Sponsored by Chesapeake Energy, the award is a tribute to the city for its creation of effective networks of leaders who facilitate success through high-profile projects -- specifically, through the development of their Main Street commercial districts.

Fairmont City Manager Jay Rogers said Fairmont is thriving, and the community couldn't be more grateful for the national recognition of its progress and success.

To be considered for the award, cities must demonstrate exemplary achievement in strengthening their downtown communities and commercial districts, paying extra care to revitalization efforts with broad-based community support as part of the Main Street approach.

The Main Street approach (Organization, Promotion, Design and Economic Restructuring) is a way for historic preservation-based economic development that was initiated by the National Trust for Historic Preservation 30 years ago and is used in more than 2,000 communities throughout the United States.

When Main Street Fairmont got its start in 1993, the city was in need of a drastic increase in employers, employment and population -- not to mention structural and aesthetic improvements. Since the arrival of the Main Street program in Fairmont, 159 historic buildings have been rehabilitated, the downtown area has become home to a community college and small business development center, vacancy rates have dropped, $24 million was spent to reopen the High Level Bridge and Veteran's Square has been virtually rebuilt.

"Main Street Fairmont set out to reverse a 30-year decline, and the results are extraordinary," said Doug Loescher, director of the National Trust Main Street Center. "Jobs and businesses are on the rise in a town that has discovered the power of tapping its coal mining and immigrant heritage to create cultural experiences for residents and visitors."

"We thank the National Trust for Historic Preservation for honoring us, Main Street Fairmont and leader Vera Sansalone for their vision, the Blueprint Communities team for its guidance and support, our elected officials for their willingness to tackle difficult issues," said Rogers.

"Most of all, we thank the literally hundreds of citizens from all walks of life whose hard work has created a much stronger and sustainable community.

"It's nice to see others have recognized our success," added Rogers.

Fairmont was in the company of fellow winning cities Columbus, Miss.; Paducah, Ky.; Ferndale, Mich.; and Lee's Summit, Mo.