Top 5 Priorities
- Foster an Arts, Entertainment, Learning, & Recreation Community
- Promote the River and Form Greenspace Linkages from Downtown to the Environs
- Promote Housing within Downtown Frankfort and foster a diverse residential lifestyle
- Promote Downtown Frankfort as a Destination - a place for all to gather
- Improve the Infra-structure of our Downtown
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About Downtown Frankfort Inc.
In 1989, a group of property and business owners came together to address the decline of the downtown commercial district and formed Downtown Frankfort, Inc. This organization was developed as one of 28 Main Street Programs in the state of Kentucky. Currently, our city is one of 101 cities participating in the Main Street Program and has established the distinction of having 'graduate' status. As an active member of the Kentucky Main Street Program, Downtown Frankfort's organization is based on the four-point approach developed by the National Main Street Center. The components are:
- Organization
- Promotion
- Design
- Economic Restructuring
Downtown Frankfort utilizes these four disciplines to address downtown revitalization and economic development, while maintaining historic preservation. The Main Street Center is a division of the National Trust for Historic Preservation of which we are also members. Downtown Frankfort shares the distinction of being a Renaissance on Main Gold City. Renaissance on Main is a bricks and mortar program created by Governor Paul Patton to assist communities with downtown revitalization efforts. Renaissance on Main was designed to enhance and coordinate existing efforts as provided by the Kentucky Heritage Council, the Kentucky Main Street Program, and the Kentucky Certified Community Partnership Program.
| Executive Board |
|---|
John Senter
President
American Founders Bank
| Whitney Waterfield
Secretary & Promotion Chair
Investors Heritage Life Insurance | Robert Carter
Treasurer & Organization Chair
Serafini Restaurant | Joe Johnson
Past-President
Joe Johnson Real Estate | | | | |
| Regular Board |
|---|
Laura Sudduth
Technical Assistance Administrator
Kentucky Housing Corporation | Edward Kelsey
Broker/Owner
Capital Realty & Investment | Lizz Taylor
Owner, Poor Richard's Books Scot Walters Kentucky Heritage Council | Mike Greer
Economic Development Chair
Retired,
Legislative Research Commission Charles Stewart
Member at Large
Stewart at Home School |
| Ex-Officio |
|---|
Steve Brooks
Executive Director
Frankfort Parks and Recreation | Carmen Inman
Executive Director
Frankfort Area Chamber of Commerce | Joy Jeffries
Executive Director
Frankfort-Franklin County Tourism Commission | Roger Stapleton
KY Main Street Coordinator
Kentucky Heritage Council
| Suzanne Shearer
Marketing & Sales Coordinator
Frankfort Convention Center
| Robert Roach
Judge Executive
Franklin County Fiscal Court |
Harry Carver
DFI, Executive Director
| Advocacy
Downtown Frankfort acts as a catalyst to create and manage public improvements and enhance the quality of life in the downtown community. |
Education
We are all about informing the public about historic and economic issues that are relevant to the community development and historic preservation. |
Economic Development
Downtown Frankfort is the organization to oversee the development of a complimentary system of businesses. Business recruitment is a primary focus and goal of our organization. Without it, we will not sustain the mix of economic opportunity that makes for a successful downtown. We are the clearing house for property availability, public services, and financing opportunities. |
Events and Promotions
As the primary focus of Downtown Frankfort, events and promotional activities are key to establishing shopping and dining patterns. By providing many functions in the downtown area, tourist, local citizens, and residents are exposed to the many benefits and opportunities available. |
Facade Grant Program
This program offers assistance in the revitalization of building facades at a 50-50 owner match reimbursement. |
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