How may businesses are in the Brainerd Main Street district?

Approximately this many of each type:
Service 67
Retail 52
Non-profits 32
Restaurants 16
Churches 12
Office 11
Dental/Medical 11
Auto 10
Financial 10
Industrial 9
Bars 8

Do programs like this work?

Local program similar to Brainerd Main Street have leveraged billions of dollars over the past 25 years across the country. See more reinvestment statistics.

What are the four-points of the Main Street Approach?

Promotion, Design, Business Improvement, and Organization. You can learn more about them at the National Main Street website.

I remember what Downtown was like back in the day. It’s so different now. What happened?

Downtowns in big cities and small towns across the country have gone through a metamorphosis as transportation changed from horses to streetcars to the automobile. This often resulted in the commercial activity that traditionally happened in downtowns moving to the outskirts of town. Brainerd is not unique in how this happened. You can learn more about what happened to America’s Main Streets here and what’s being done across the country to bring the community back Downtown.

What is included in the Brainerd Main Street District?

The Main Street District stretches from the Mississippi River to 11th Street and from Oak to Kingwood Streets. Though it is part of the Brainerd Lakes Chamber, it is for members and non-members alike.

Where is the construction happening?

Front Street from 6th Street to 8th Street
Laurel Street from 6th Street to 8th Street
7th Street from Front to Maple Streets
Alleys north of Laurel Street.

What is the time frame for the street/utility improvement project?

The underground construction is expected to begin in April 20, 2009 with final paving completed by July 31, 2009. Work will be done in phases so you can still get to where you want to go. Planting trees and other vegetation will be done when the weather is cooler. Weather and other factors can and often delays project schedules.

Will I still be able to get into businesses if the road is being worked on?

Yes, businesses will be open and you’ll have access to them throughout construction. Plus, they will reward you for your patronage...See Downtown Dough on right.

If the street right in front of the business closed, where can I park?

You will be able to park around the corner on another street or in either of the two City parking lots (Laurel Street and Front/7th Street); both have access from alleys.

What is being done?

Replacing and repairing sanitary and storm sewer, roof drain connections, street, alley, and sidewalk improvements. Watermain system repairs will be done as needed.

Will there still be events this summer?

Yes, you can look forward to:
Women’s Walk-About May 7
Medallion Hunt June
Crazee Daze July 17-18
Women’s Walk-About Sept. 17

What’s Downtown Dough and how do I win some?

Downtown businesses will be giving away $138 (Downtown’s age) in Downtown Dough weekly starting at the beginning of construction – April 20. Register to win at any participating businesses during construction. Entries are thrown out after every drawing, so remember to go back and register every week. Use Downtown Dough like a gift certificate at any participating business.

Construction Links

Artist Renderings of area after construction Get a summary of the project Sign-up for weekly construction update emails Upcoming monthly meetings Earlier press releases

Timeline

This is the timeline as of March 31 and is subject to change weekly April 20, 2009:  Weather permitting.
Friday, July 31, 2009:  Finish all work except some landscaping items

Questions about the Downtown Brainerd Street/Utility Improvement Project?

Contact Emily Roragen, Brainerd Main Street Coordinator at the Brainerd Lakes Chamber
Emily Roragen
PO Box 356, Brainerd, MN 56401
Phone (218) 822-7126, Fax (218) 829-8199
eroragen@explorebrainerdlakes.com