'Putting the Pieces Together' conference targets revitalizing historic downtowns

[NOV. 3, 2005]  SPRINGFIELD -- "Putting the Pieces Together" is a vital step in any economic development effort, and a statewide conference of that name aims to help Illinois communities make the most of the economic potential of their historic downtown areas.

Illinois Main Street will host its 12th annual Conference on Downtown Revitalization on Tuesday and Wednesday in downtown Springfield. Concurrent sessions will be conducted at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and the Old State Capitol State Historic Site, two vital "pieces" of Springfield's downtown. Sessions will deal with such topics as low-cost design solutions, fundraising and sponsorships, working with the media, promotional ideas, walking tours, and examples of successful revitalization efforts.

"Main Street communities have had great success in revitalization, business and tourism," said Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn, whose office oversees the Illinois Main Street program. "Communities across the state are working hard to make their town a destination, and this conference will provide an exchange of new ideas and approaches."

The conference keynote speaker is Mary Means, one of the four founders of the national Main Street program, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.

A reception for conference participants will be Tuesday evening at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, the most talked-about museum in the country since its opening in April. The Lieutenant Governor's Awards for Excellence in Downtown Revitalization will be presented Wednesday at the newly revitalized Hoogland Center for the Arts, a former lodge hall converted for use as a fine arts performance venue and reception hall.

"Putting the Pieces Together" is sponsored by Illinois Main Street and the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, with local host Downtown Springfield Inc.

[Illinois Historic Preservation Agency news release]

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