As a Main Street America™ Accredited program, Main Street Athens is a recognized leading program among the national network of more than 1,200 neighborhoods and communities that share both a commitment to creating high-quality places and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development. All Main Street America™ Accredited programs meet a set of National Accreditation Standards of Performance as outlined by the National Main Street Center.
Athens TN was designated as a Main Street community in February 2016, and after months of planning the organization officially hit the ground running on July 1, 2016. This designation allows Athens to network with other Tennessee Main Street communities to find resources that help with the development and revitalization of downtown. Our goal is to create a vibrant place to dine, shop, work, live, and explore recreational opportunities.
Main Street of Athens is a non-profit organization and is governed by a 19-member board of directors, a part-time director, and 32 community volunteers who serve on 5 committees (Design, Promotion, Organization, Economic Vitality, and THRIVE). The organization works alongside the City of Athens, the Athens Chamber of Commerce, and the McMinn County Economic Development Authority to develop strategies that are key components for economic development. The overall vision is to impact the economic status and improve the quality of life for all residents. We want downtown to be a place that residents will be proud to call home and visitors explore it as a destination.
The Mission of Main Street Athens is to create a sustainable town center that contributes to the communities’ health while preserving the unique history and culture of our downtown. The overall goal is to create a vibrant downtown for people to work, live, shop, dine, and enjoy entertainment!
