main street was founded on passion

In 2006, a group of downtown business owners and community-minded volunteers came together to pool their resources and improve downtown Marietta.

The strategic vision, hard work, and leadership of that group enabled the founding of a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization known as ReSTORE Marietta. ReSTORE Marietta started as an organization fully-charged by volunteers that grew to staff a part-time director and then a full-time director.

With the growth of resources and impact, ReSTORE Marietta worked tirelessly to achieve Main Street status through the National Main Street Center to formally celebrate their partnership with the City of Marietta to revitalize our beloved downtown. By consistently applying the Main Street Approach®, that goal was achieved in July 2013 and Marietta Main Street was born.

Today, Marietta Main Street is a local nonprofit charitable organization focused on community & economic development on a foundation of historic preservation in the heart of our beautiful river town in southeast Ohio. With a staff of one Executive Director, the invaluable contributions and leadership of a strong Board of Directors, the volunteer efforts of many, and the support of our community, together we revitalize historic downtown Marietta.

““IT’S PLACEMAKING, NOT PLACEMADE.
IT’S A PROCESS. YOU ARE NEVER FINISHED.””

Our Guiding Principles

Mission

Marietta Main Street brings people together to preserve, enhance, and enjoy downtown Marietta, Ohio.

Vision

We envision a vibrant downtown that invites all community members to invest in our businesses, embrace our unique history, and promote our community pride.

Our Approach

Marietta Main Street's philosophy aligns with Main Street America's Approach to downtown revitalization. Launched as a movement approximately 35 years ago, Main Street America is founded on the understanding that our community is only as strong as our core, and the heartbeat of our success as a whole is fully reliant on the strength of our downtown.

By uplifting historic preservation as a key driver in economic development, Main Street America has facilitated the reinvestment of nearly $65.6 billion into downtown communities across the U.S., as well as the launch of approximately 126, 500 new businesses and over 260,000 buildings rehabilitated.

We believe in the strength of the Main Street Approach to uplift and revitalize downtown Marietta. By valuing the importance of design, promotion, organization, and economic vitality, Marietta Main Street works hard to showcase what makes our community unique so that it may grow and thrive vibrantly for generations to come.

Awards & Recognition

Main Street Committee Project of the Year: Putnam Street Bike Path Tunnel Mural (2022)
Main Street Committee Project of the Year: Pop-Up Collaborative Mural Series (2021)
National Accreditation, Main Street America | 2013-2023
Linsley Community Partner Award, Marietta College | 2020
Main Street Program of the Year | Main Street West, 2019
Finalist, 2018 Ohio Nonprofit Excellence Award from the Ohio Association of Nonprofit Organizations
Top 8 Small Town (The Small Business Revolution) | 2017
Best Hometown (Ohio Magazine) | 2017-2018
Scenic Ohio Award (Scenic Ohio) | 2017
Main Street Business of the Year: Marietta Adventure Company (Heritage Ohio) | 2017
Main Street Manager of the Year: Cristie L. Thomas (Heritage Ohio) | 2017