Accomplishments
The purpose of this page is to illustrate some of the successful downtown improvement projects put forth by the Rochester Main Street volunteers.
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Welcome SignIn the spring of 2022, Rochester Main Street installed a "Welcome to Downtown" sign in Central Square, right in the heart of downtown Rochester. The sign includes a letter board to help promote community events.
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Wyndotte Alley DeckIn the summer of 2023, Rochester Main Street contracted Houle Deck Builders to construct a deck over an underutilized garden bed. The purpose of the project was to create a space for live entertainment and outdoor dining.
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Downtown Speed LimitIn the spring of 2023, Main Street president Jeff Bisson attended a Rochester Public Safety Committee meeting to advocate for a reduced speed limit and additional signs in the downtown corridor. At the time, the nearest speed limit sign was located near Burger King on the far end of North Main Street, well beyond what most consider the "downtown" area. The committee agreed and quickly installed several 25 MPH signs throughout the downtown district.
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Riverwalk Bistro TablesIn 2022, Rochester Main Street lined the Cocheco Riverwalk with tables and chairs for residents and visitors to enjoy for relaxations, outdoor dining, and reading.
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Main Street LightsHave you noticed that downtown Rochester has been a little brighter? if so, that's because Rochester Main Street collaborated with Buildings and Grounds for the City of Rochester to install Edison lights along North Main Street. The lights make people feel more comfortable after dark, highlight businesses along the street, and add vibrancy to our downtown.
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Public ArtRochester Main Street is the fiscal sponsor for the Rochester Museum of Fine Arts. Thanks to an annual public art fund, budgeted by the Economic Development Department for the City of Rochester, RMS and RMFA have successfully installed numerous public art projects around downtown. The murals and sculptures add variety and vibrancy to the visual landscape. Click here to view the public art map.
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Wyndotte Alley ArchwayRochester Main Street volunteers are responsible for adding an iron archway to the North Main Street facing entrance to Wyandotte alley. Since then, public art has been added to the boarded windows of the building on the right. Main Street also added a graffiti resistant coating to the handicap ramp.
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Factory CourtFactory Court was originally a one-way outlet to North Main Street from the Union Street Parking Lot. In 2000, Rochester Main Street volunteers converted the street into a pedestrian walkway, adding iron archways and a small stage for local performers. In 2016, Main Street handed the baton to Revolution Taproom & Grill. Revolution was able to transform the space into one of downtown's most beautiful places to visit during the summer. It's a perfect example of why Main Street is vital to a downtown community... The organization reimagines underutilized spaces and creatively transforms them for businesses and community members to later take to the next level.
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Parson Main RestorationFor years, the Parson Main statue in Central Square was a weathered green copper sculpture. In 2010, Rochester Main Street volunteers worked tirelessly to improve Central Square and restore and bronze Parson Main. The project later garnered a NH Preservation Alliance Award.
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Project Upkeep
Many of the projects you see downtown have been completed, but that does not mean they are finished.
Downtown improvements require ongoing care and upkeep to remain safe, welcoming, and effective. Projects like the Wyndotte Walkway deck, public murals, lighting installations, benches, planters, and decorations all require regular maintenance. This includes things like repairs to decking, UV protection for murals, replacing worn or damaged light strands, refreshing paint, and addressing normal wear and tear that comes with public use and New England weather.
Financial support for maintaining existing projects is just as important as support for launching new ones. Taking care of what has already been built ensures that prior investments continue to serve the community and reflect pride in our downtown.
Being good stewards of these projects is also essential if we want to be taken seriously when pursuing future fundraising, grants, and partnerships. Funders, sponsors, and donors want to see that completed projects are well cared for and thoughtfully managed over time.
Your continued support helps Rochester Main Street protect past investments while planning responsibly for what comes next, ensuring downtown remains vibrant, functional, and welcoming for years to come.
To make a donation please go to our donations page!
Downtown improvements require ongoing care and upkeep to remain safe, welcoming, and effective. Projects like the Wyndotte Walkway deck, public murals, lighting installations, benches, planters, and decorations all require regular maintenance. This includes things like repairs to decking, UV protection for murals, replacing worn or damaged light strands, refreshing paint, and addressing normal wear and tear that comes with public use and New England weather.
Financial support for maintaining existing projects is just as important as support for launching new ones. Taking care of what has already been built ensures that prior investments continue to serve the community and reflect pride in our downtown.
Being good stewards of these projects is also essential if we want to be taken seriously when pursuing future fundraising, grants, and partnerships. Funders, sponsors, and donors want to see that completed projects are well cared for and thoughtfully managed over time.
Your continued support helps Rochester Main Street protect past investments while planning responsibly for what comes next, ensuring downtown remains vibrant, functional, and welcoming for years to come.
To make a donation please go to our donations page!