A community-led business district revitalization and preservation project
Roslindale Village Main Street is a comprehensive, community-based revitalization program for a southwest Boston neighborhood business district. It was initiated in 1985 by Roslindale Village Main Street (RVMS), a nonprofit community group supported by the National Trust Main Street Urban Demonstration Program, which promotes the local business district as destination and community center through advocacy, events, and investments in the physical environment.
Roslindale Village Main Street has open meetings, non-exclusive membership criteria, low dues, and elections to their board that reflect the neighborhood’s interests which enhances the group’s political effectiveness.
1991 Selection Committee
One of the first urban main street programs in the US, the RVMS project created an organizational framework for community outreach and engagement along with a master plan and programs for physical improvements that included the preservation of historic storefronts. The first three years saw over $5 million in new investments, including the rehabilitation of 43 commercial buildings and restoration of 33 storefronts and signage, and businesses and residents have benefited from improvements to streets, sidewalks, lighting, and public spaces. Nearly 30 new businesses opened in the village while old ones expanded, together creating over 132 new jobs. Meanwhile the RVMS keeps businesses and residents active and interacting with a year-round calendar of events including cleanup and recycling days, famers markets, and bingo.