Berlin Main Street Program
Through the National Main Street Transformation Strategies, the Berlin Main Street Program has been the catalyst in transforming downtown Berlin into the thriving, vibrant place it is today. Berlin Main Street is a part of the Maryland Main Street Program. The program strives to strengthen the economic potential of Maryland’s traditional main streets and neighborhoods. Using a competitive process, Main Street Maryland selects communities who have made a commitment to succeed and helps them improve the economy, appearance and image of their traditional downtown business districts. To accomplish Main Street goals, the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) has partnered with the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s National Main Street Center, which developed the Main Street Four Point Approach for commercial revitalization, which is organized into the following committees.
For More information about the Main Street Program visit: CLICK HERE
For more information about the National Main Street Program, visit the Main Street America page HERE
Transformation Strategies
From the National Main Street Center these strategies have been generated through meaningful community engagement and informed by an analysis of the district’s market position — help to guide a revitalization program’s work. An effective Transformation Strategy serves a particular customer segment, responds to an underserved market demand, or creates a differentiated destination. Transformation Strategies are implemented through comprehensive work in four broad areas, known as the Four Points.*
ECONOMIC VITALITY
Focuses on working with our property owners and business owners on incentives, and other economic and financial tools putting the emphasis on property development, Façade Improvement Grant Funding, Historic Tax Credits, Enterprise Zone Tax Credits, and create a supportive environment for entrepreneurs and innovators that drive our local economy. This committee works closely with our property owners and commercial real estate representatives and manages the waiting list of potential businesses looking to open here in downtown.
DESIGN
Supports Berlin’s transformation by enhancing the historic, physical and visual assets that set our commercial district apart preserving the historic character of our town, this committee pays close attention to the condition of buildings, storefronts, signs, public spaces, holiday decor, public art, window displays, and promotional materials. They assist with our Façade Improvement Grants, assisting business owners with displays, sign designs, sandwich boards and work closely with our Historic District Commission.
PROMOTIONS
Creates our events, and promotes our district through events, and quirky and fun ideas including public art, entertainment and in-store promotions throughout the year. This group of lively folks love what they do! They create diverse events where multi-generations can enjoy in the fun, they ensure all events and promotions are ADA accessible and utilizes our history and unique architecture to drive our message.
ORGANIZATION
Volunteer recruitment and collaboration with partners representing a diverse cross section of the community. Our Board of Directors is our Mayor and Council who are 100% behind the Berlin Main Street Program and treat it as part of the town’s strategic plan. This structure shows how invested the Town of Berlin and the entire community is in downtown revitalization efforts and support the local businesses here in downtown. This committee has created a strong foundation for our sustainable revitalization efforts, including cultivating partnerships, community involvement, and resources for the district. Includes recruiting volunteers, fundraising, and the glue keeping our organization together.
*GREEN, CLEAN AND SAFE (MARYLAND 5th POINT)
Volunteers who take pride in our community and invest significant time to keep our downtown clean, beautiful and safe. The committee works in partnership with our Sustainable Communities Committee, Berlin Public Works and Berlin Police Department to enhance the safety of our town and of those attending our events and implement sustainable practices for our businesses. Because the State of Maryland has designated Berlin as a “sustainable community,” we pay close attention to protecting the environment, using our natural resources wisely for current residents and for future generations.
MAIN STREET PARTNERS, COLLABORATORS, & STAKEHOLDERS
We extend our deepest gratitude to all partners, collaborators, and stakeholders who make the Berlin Main Street program a success.
Special thanks to Ocean Downs Casino for generously donating their shuttle service during our events, and to Beach to Bay Heritage Area for partnering with us on heritage tourism and providing grant funding for the Reverend Charles Albert Tyndall Mural.
We appreciate the Chamber of Commerce for their unwavering support in all our events, and the Historic District Commission for their assistance with our façade grants, ensuring Berlin retains its authentic charm
We are grateful to Berlin Heritage Foundation for their collaboration on events and history initiatives, and to the Berlin Community Improvement Association for their efforts in helping us in connecting Berlin over Route 113.
A heartfelt thank you to Diakonia for the partnership in collecting gently used shoes in honor of Mr. Jesse Turner for the homeless population of Worcester County.
We acknowledge Atlantic General Hospital for their sponsorship, Maryland Cooperative Broadband for sponsoring the annual fireworks show, and the Town of Ocean City for their stage sponsorships at our events.
We appreciate the Worcester County Arts Council for their support and grant funding, and all the businesses and residents who sponsor our annual Christmas parade.
Partners like the Maryland Economic Development Association are helpful towards are goals of maintaining and promoting economic growth in our district.
We are happy to donate funding to The Berlin Horticultural Advisory Committee for their volunteerism in helping us maintain our beautiful flower pots and gardens throughout the year.
Parking is graciously donated by a variety of partners: St. Pauls Episcopal Church, Taylor Bank, Bergey and Associates and the Town of Berlin.
Partnering with the Ocean City Hotel Motel Restaurant Association allows us to share their hotel booking site in exchange for highlighting our ‘Visit Berlin’ Rack Cards on their concierge desks.
Our gratitude extends to Worcester County Tourism for your continued support in marketing and funding, the Department of Housing and Community Development, Maryland Main Street program, and the Mayor and Council of Berlin. Lastly, a special thanks to the residents of Berlin, for whom all of this is dedicated.
Photo by Tony Weeg Photography
