DFI History

In 1979 the National Trust for Historic Preservation created the “Main Street Program” in an effort to address the decline of our nation’s downtowns. This initiative focused on preservation and the adaptive reuse of historic buildings for the purpose of revitalizing downtowns across America. We’re proud that Kentucky quickly signed on and became the first statewide program with the creation of the “Kentucky Main Street Program” by the Kentucky Heritage Council that same year. Nearly thirty years later we are pleased to be a part of a network of 1700 Main Street Programs in 43 states, and here at home count 100 communities as fellow partners in this endeavor.

The genesis of Downtown Frankfort, Inc began in 1989 when a group of concerned property and business owners came together to address the needs of Frankfort’s downtown commercial district. They adopted, and we still use, the National Main Street Center’s innovative, four-point approach which focuses on design, organization, promotion, and economic restructuring. This holistic approach serves to address downtown revitalization and economic development while also maintaining historic preservation.

In a nutshell

The goal of Downtown Frankfort, Inc. is to stimulate downtown economic development in Frankfort, and is a partnership between the City of Frankfort, Franklin County Fiscal Court, as well as corporate and private sponsors. We are a member and committee driven, non-profit organization that is overseen by a Board of Directors and administered by an Executive Director.   

from left: Natalie Lile, Robert Kirkman and son, Harry Carver, Phyllis Liebman, Brittain Skinner, Debbie Clark, Lydia Powell, Lizz Taylor, Candy Charters, Becky King, and Doug Howard. Absent are Brenda Allen, Chris Miller, Terri Bennet, John Dunn, Rebecca Hall, Carlos Ceballos, and Vicki Birenberg.