The Vicksburg Main Street program continues to work to revitalize the downtown area and bring new businesses to the area.

For the progress made in 2017, Vicksburg Main Street has once again been recognized as an accredited Main Street America program. To be accredited, main streets must meet a variety of standards including a comprehensive work plan, broad community support and possessing a historic preservation ethic.

Vicksburg Main Street has received the accreditation every year since 1984.

“Being a Main Street America accredited community is a mark of distinction that signifies commitment to comprehensive revitalization, community engagement and rigorous outcome measurements,” Main Street board chairman Christi Kilroy said. “These guidelines have evolved over the years to be certain that main street districts around the country have up-to-date best practices by which to set their goals, respond to their members and ultimately thrive.  By meeting these criteria, we know that the Vicksburg Main Street program is on track and supporting what the community needs to have a vibrant downtown today and to sustain it well into the future.”

According to a release from Vicksburg Main Street, 18 new businesses opened in downtown Vicksburg in 2017 and there was a total investment of more than $1.6 million in public investment in the area.

The Washington Street area was also recently named the most charming main street in Mississippi by USA Today, which said the area was chosen because, “it is home to picturesque storefronts, local eateries, a charming bookstore and a variety of museums celebrating the city’s unique history.”

Last year also saw a total of 20 buildings sold in downtown Vicksburg and big projects are planned including a tech innovation center in the Mississippi Hardware building, the opening of Margaritaville and projects to improve the riverfront area.

“There are several projects in the works through private investors,” Kilroy said. “They will most likely make their own announcements when they are ready to share details. In general, we know of restaurants, museums, housing and office projects that are under way.

“The team of volunteers, staff and the ongoing support of the city of Vicksburg have worked diligently to be certain that Vicksburg has a vibrant and exciting downtown where people can live, work and play year-round. It is an area of our community of which we can all be proud.”