Star City’s downtown
starts to shine again
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — The downtown area of the Star City has seen a vast improvement from just a few years ago, with the Downtown Revitalization Committee spearheading the effort to bring luster back to what once was a thriving section of the city. But the DRC is taking little of the credit for the changes that have occurred.
“Since its inception some five to six years ago, the Presque Isle Downtown Revitalization Committee has come a long way, but we couldn’t have done it without the dedication and contributions of many in the community,” said Patty LeBlanc, DRC board member and past president.
LeBlanc said from the start short-term goals have included restoring the visual integrity of the heart of town, “making it a more pleasant, warm and inviting destination for visitors and businesses alike.”
One of the main long-term goals for the group is to preserve the economic viability and activity of the downtown hub, by attracting new businesses and visitors.
“This strengthens the merchants and (having a vibrant environment) is much more welcoming to visitors and residents,” said LeBlanc. “We think the Star City is shining again.”
In just a few short years, many things have improved, said LeBlanc.
“Store facades have been upgraded, displays are in place, windows are being kept clean. We’ve filled many vacant windows and stores,” she said. “It makes a big difference.”
Beginning with the Dow family re-opening the Braden Theater, interest in downtown has grown. In the past year alone, several new businesses have opened and older ones relocated, including: Bou’s Brew Pub, Whole Potato Cafe, Star City Coffee, Amato’s, Mastro Motors, KMH Music, Oasis Salon, The Pizza Box, Citidel (radio station), the Salvation Army Thrift Store, BalanceBPO and Dr. Dick Graves — joining historic locations like the Northeastland Hotel, Wilder’s Jewelry Store, Gary’s Home Furnishings, KeyBank and Country Collectibles, as well as some newer additions like Morning Star Art & Framing, LeBlanc’s School of Martial Arts, Merchants on the Corner, Hand Me Down Antiques and Furniture, and Cafe Sorpreso, among others.
The DRC credits the dedication and hard work of local business and property owners, who’ve devoted both time and money to making improvements along a growing stretch of Main Street.
“We want to thank everyone, beginning with the Graves’ family for refurbishing their building on South Main Street, the work the Clukeys put into upgrading their business, Tim Lavin with BalanceBPO, Gary Nelson for restoring the building that once housed Stevens, Engels, Bishop and Sprague that now is home to the Whole Potato Cafe, the Elks for renovating their building — and so many more that have put in the time and finances necessary to bring about improvements,” said LeBlanc.
LeBlanc said the months of meetings and planning that have gone into the process have been well worth it.
“We’d like to thank City Manager Jim Bennett for taking the time to listen and providing us with positive feedback. And thanks to all the city officials who’ve assisted throughout the process,” she said.
She said what began as a goal to improve a small portion of the downtown — between Academy and State streets — has expanded far beyond that. LeBlanc said she and the DRC are grateful to all who’ve made the downtown once again a destination.
“We’ve added numerous restaurants and coffee shops, the Wintergreen Arts Center, improvements are now spreading across the State Street bridge and have extended farther along Main Street,” said LeBlanc. “We’ve done a lot of different things and brought a lot of variety to the community.”
New signage was erected last fall along some of the busier streets directing visitors to various locations throughout the community, including the library, downtown businesses and more.
LeBlanc said public support has been great.
“We’ve gotten a lot of positive comments — most recently during the annual Light Parade. People enjoyed watching the festivities from inside the many businesses now open along Main Street,” LeBlanc said.
LeBlanc said she and the DRC are grateful to all who’ve made the downtown once again a destination.
“We want to say thank you to everyone who’s contributed either through improvements to buildings, visiting downtown, supporting the merchants, going to the movies or out to dinner. We hope it continues,” LeBlanc said.
As a community, LeBlanc said people think strongly that Presque Isle is the hub of the county.
“We want to stay a shining example for others and hope to continue to have support for all these fine establishments downtown,” she said.
“A healthy neighborhood deserves a strong downtown center. Working together can foster collaboration between businesses, civic groups, citizens and visitors. We take pride in our stores and their appearance, which in turn will gain commercial success and contribute to a cooperative spirit of pride,” noted LeBlanc.
Another draw for the area has been the First Friday Art Walk, which takes place the first week of each month and features various artistic endeavors displayed at different establishments throughout town.
“First Friday activities continue to be a big success, attracting both residents and folks from other towns,” she said.
The DRC is looking forward to seeing what’s in store for the coming year and plans to honor those who’ve made a difference to date.
“The DRC wishes each and every downtown business a successful 2013. We’ll be hosting an event in the spring to recognize all building owners and businesses who have made our downtown a better place to visit and shop,” said LeBlanc.
LeBlanc said efforts will continue to make improvements downtown and suggestions are always welcome.
“Plans are ongoing for a farmer’s market on Riverside Drive this year, with artwork on display along with other things,” she said. “We welcome public input and ideas.”
The committee will continue to work with city officials, looking for ways to make the city the best it can be.
“In conjunction with City Council, the Planning Board and other committees, we’ve created a plan for facade and business improvements, with funds available to aid with that,” said LeBlanc. “We worked with Ken Arndt, the city’s director of planning and development, on the development of the Facade Improvement program. Guidelines are available at City Hall.”
The committee will continue to work with city officials, looking for ways to make the city the best it can be.
“The DRC’s focus this year will include establishing a Farmer’s Market in the Riverside Drive area, lending support to new and existing businesses, as well as other downtown activities, such as First Friday Art Walks, Music in the Park, Paint Presque Isle, Crown of Maine Balloon Fest events and the annual Holiday Light Parade,” said LeBlanc, adding, “we have recently been selected to be part of the Healthy Main Street program and hope to partner with other local groups to add that new activity component to our downtown area.”
The committee welcomes public input and support. Anyone interested is welcome to attend meetings, held on the second Wednesday each month at 7:30 a.m. in the Turner Memorial Library conference room.
