MEDIA ADVISORY

Mayor: Jennifer P. Dougherty

Contact: Kara Norman
Downtown Frederick Partnership
301-698-8118
mainstreet@downtownfrederick.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, January 26, 2004

DOWNTOWN FREDERICK PARTNERSHIP RECAPS YEAR’S ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Plans for 2004 are highlighted

Downtown Frederick Partnership lists the reinvigoration of First Saturday Gallery Walks, the award of $15,000 in Neighborhood Partnership Program tax credits and the completion of the Downtown Market Analysis as the top three accomplishments in 2003.

First Saturday Gallery Walks - Re-launched March 2003, First Saturday Gallery Walks are attracting thousands to Downtown Frederick on the First Saturday of each month. First Saturday Gallery Walkers enjoy exhibit openings, guest artists and live entertainment at more than 50 participating stores, galleries and restaurants. Throughout the winter months, the downtown streets are lined with hundreds of luminaries to brighten the walk. The next First Saturday Gallery Walk will be held on Saturday, February 7. Look for fun, new activities to be added as the First Saturday Gallery Walks continue through the spring and summer months.

NPP Tax Credits - The recent award of $15,000 in tax credits from the MD Department of Housing and Community Development’s Neighborhood Partnership Program will leverage $30,000 in funding for a new Downtown Frederick Façade Improvement Program. Offering the tax credits to area businesses will be a key project in 2004, followed by the launch of the new program.

Downtown Market Analysis - The recently completed Downtown Market Analysis clearly quantifies the economic vitality of Downtown Frederick. With the highest percentage of people heading downtown for shopping or dining in the 25-44 year old category, Downtown Frederick is an entertainment destination that has the potential to grow. Copies of the Downtown Market Study are available at a cost of $15.

In 2004, the Partnership will utilize a grant awarded by the Community Foundation of Frederick County to create new downtown kiosk maps, develop a new downtown business welcome packet and hold a Mayfest celebration on May 1. Many other exciting projects are planned. If you are interested in volunteering, call the Partnership at (301) 698-8118.

Downtown Frederick Partnership is charged with enhancing, promoting and preserving the vitality of Downtown Frederick. In 2001, the Partnership was designated the managing organization for Frederick’s Main Street Program. The Main Street Program is a preservation-based, downtown revitalization approach sponsored by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development. The goal of the Main Street Program is to strengthen the vitality of Maryland’s traditional main streets and neighborhoods.

For more information, contact the Downtown Frederick Partnership at 301-698-8118.