ATHENS, Ala. — Athens Main Street was honored with five state-wide awards at the 11th annual Awards of Excellence Banquet hosted by Main Street Alabama at the Community House.
Main Street Alabama’s President and State Coordinator, Mary Helmer Wirth, and Assistant State Coordinator, Trisha Black, recognized impactful projects and individuals for their significant contributions to their communities.
Athens was celebrated in the following categories:
- Excellence in Business Development: Awarded for the city’s successful efforts in boosting its restaurant scene, with five new upscale restaurants opening downtown since October 2023.
- Excellence in Promotion: Recognized for the “Fridays After Five” event, which attracts over 4,000 attendees with live entertainment and local food vendors.
- Excellence in Fundraising: Honored for exceptional fundraising efforts, including a 100% increase in business investors and a 30% rise in stakeholders.
- Excellence in Building Design: Awarded for the renovation of the Old Black Bear Brewing Company, transforming a neglected warehouse into a new downtown brewery.
- Reinvestment Award: Acknowledged for a remarkable district reinvestment exceeding $40 million.
“We are thrilled to be honored for our organization's contributions to the growth and vibrancy of our downtown," said Athens Main Street Executive Director Tere Richardson. "Thank you to the City of Athens, the Limestone County Commission, and all our business and individual donors who have supported our efforts.”
