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What Is The Great Blocks Project on Main Street
A Great Blocks Project for the Grants New Mexico MainStreet District is an exciting initiative aimed at enhancing the downtown area by creating inviting, functional, and visually appealing public spaces. This transformative project focuses on improving the physical and aesthetic environment of key blocks within the MainStreet District to support community engagement, economic activity, and a vibrant downtown experience.
Key Benefits of the Great Blocks Project:
- Improved Walkability: Creating pedestrian-friendly sidewalks, crosswalks, and pathways that encourage foot traffic and make the area more accessible.
- Enhanced Streetscapes: Adding landscaping, public art, seating, and lighting to beautify the district and make it a welcoming space for residents and visitors.
- Support for Local Businesses: Attracting more visitors to downtown Grants, benefiting shops, restaurants, and services in the area.
- Community Engagement: Providing a space for events, gatherings, and activities that foster a sense of connection and pride.
- Economic Development: Stimulating investments and attracting new businesses by showcasing a revitalized, dynamic downtown.
The Great Blocks Project embodies the mission of revitalizing and beautifying Grants while preserving its unique charm and culture. It’s a step toward building a thriving community space where history, commerce, and creativity come together.
This initiative demonstrates the power of collaboration and vision in shaping the future of the Grants MainStreet District. Together, we’re paving the way for a vibrant, sustainable downtown that benefits everyone.
For updates and ways to get involved, stay tuned to grantsmainstreetproject.com or visit our downtown office. Let’s build something great for Grants!
Help Shape the Future of Downtown Grants!
We Want Your Input! Your voice matters!
Your voice matters! Complete the Great Blocks Project Survey to share your thoughts and help us design a downtown that benefits our entire community.
Take the Survey Now:
https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=g-pt5ZrOL0O3c2uoA7anDN87rxxdtu5LmBUXiT2KzaZUREk1RkgyR1VBSjVZRUFRUFhVUEdKN09WTy4u&route=shorturl
Together, let’s build a more vibrant, beautiful, and connected Grants MainStreet!
Great Blocks Project Opportunities
The History of The MRA (Metropolitan Redevelopment Area) Plan
MRA Plan Adoption and Project Inclusion
On April 23, 2015, the New Mexico Finance Authority (NMFA) approved the City of Grants’
application for Local Government Planning Funds to complete the City/MainStreet Metropolitan
Redevelopment Area (MRA) Plan. From 2016 to 2017, MainStreet, along with its affiliated
partners, participated in a year long process to develop the MRA plan. On April 17, 2017, the MRA
plan was officially adopted by the City of Grants via resolution.
The purpose of the MRA plan is to “guide the revitalization of Downtown Grants over a planning
horizon of ten years”. Through extensive research, review of existing plans and studies, public
engagement, and market /site analysis, the following goals were identified:
GRANTS MAIN STREET PROJECT
Great Blocks on Main Street Proposal
Santa Fe Avenue (ROUTE 66) Improvement Project
City of Grants & Grants Main Street – Great Blocks on Main Street Proposal
Goal 1: Downtown Grants is a destination that attracts both residents and visitors to shop, work,
live, and play. Downtown buildings have been preserved through redevelopment and
adaptive reuse.
Goal 2: Downtown Grants reflects and celebrates the area’s unique history and culture, character,
and physical beauty. Vintage Route 66 neon signs and motels have been restored and street
amenities display a connection to the local vernacular.
Goal 3: Downtown Grants provides a multitude of opportunities for safe and memorable community
interaction. Community events are promoted and occur on a regular basis, which attracts
residents and visitors from near and far.
Goal 4: Downtown Grants provides a myriad of opportunities for investment by current and future
property and business owners and developers. New, locally owned retail shops, services,
galleries, small motels, bed and breakfasts, and housing are springing up along the main
corridors of Santa Fe Avenue, High Street, First Street, and Second Street.
Goal 5: Downtown Grants encourages and nurtures pedestrian activity, while accommodating day-
to-day vehicular traffic. Santa Fe Avenue is alive with day and night activity; people are
strolling, window shopping, and riding their bicycles, while the vehicular traffic flows at a
safe speed.
City of Grants & Grants Main Street – Great Blocks on Main Street Proposal
The proposed Santa Fe Avenue (Route 66) Improvement project has been identified as a catalytic
public investment project that would greatly improve the downtown district and would work to
achieve many of the goals listed above (see attached 2017 MRA plan).
In addition to the MRA Plan, the Santa Fe Avenue (Route 66) Improvement Project has been
identified as a priority project within the 2017 City of Grants Comprehensive Plan. The project,
which is included in the transportation section of the comprehensive plan, is stated to improve
pedestrian circulation and improve the vibrancy of downtown Grants by redesigning and
reconstructing the roadway and sidewalks, incorporating planting strips, installing safety
features such as pedestrian crosswalks and signals, and incorporating bike lanes (see attached
2017 City of Grants Comprehensive Plan).The MRA Plan Adoption and Santa Fe Avenue (Route 66) Improvement Project is a visionary initiative designed to revitalize Downtown Grants, leveraging its unique character and history to create a thriving community hub. Adopted in 2017 after years of collaboration between the City of Grants, Grants MainStreet Project, and affiliated partners, the plan is a key driver of transformation for the area.
Purpose of the MRA Plan
The Metropolitan Redevelopment Area (MRA) Plan serves as a 10-year roadmap to guide revitalization efforts in Downtown Grants. Its goals center on preserving the area’s rich cultural heritage while fostering economic development, enhancing livability, and promoting community engagement.
Key Goals of the Plan
- Destination Appeal: Transform Downtown Grants into a vibrant destination for residents and visitors, with preserved and adaptively reused historic buildings.
- Cultural Reflection: Celebrate the unique history and physical beauty of Grants through restored vintage Route 66 neon signs, revitalized motels, and locally inspired street amenities.
- Community Interaction: Create opportunities for safe and memorable community events to draw visitors and strengthen local engagement.
- Economic Investment: Encourage local businesses and property development along key downtown corridors, fostering a diverse mix of retail, services, and housing.
- Pedestrian Activity: Promote a lively, walkable downtown where pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles coexist harmoniously on Santa Fe Avenue and surrounding streets.
Santa Fe Avenue (Route 66) Improvement Project
The centerpiece of the Great Blocks on Main Street proposal, this project aims to:
- Improve pedestrian circulation and safety with enhanced crosswalks, signals, and planting strips.
- Redesign and reconstruct roadways and sidewalks to accommodate both day-to-day traffic and increased pedestrian activity.
- Incorporate bike lanes to encourage sustainable transportation options.
- Create a vibrant, welcoming environment with enhanced aesthetics and functional infrastructure.
Strategic Alignment
This project aligns with the 2017 City of Grants Comprehensive Plan, prioritizing transportation enhancements and emphasizing the importance of fostering vibrancy in Downtown Grants. It is a catalytic public investment that addresses community needs, supports local businesses, and enhances quality of life for residents and visitors alike.
By embracing the Great Blocks on Main Street proposal and the Route 66 Improvement Project, Grants is taking bold steps toward revitalization, creating a dynamic downtown that serves as a source of pride for the community and a destination for all.
The MRA Plan Adoption and Santa Fe Avenue (Route 66) Improvement Project is a visionary initiative designed to revitalize Downtown Grants, leveraging its unique character and history to create a thriving community hub. Adopted in 2017 after years of collaboration between the City of Grants, Grants MainStreet Project, and affiliated partners, the plan is a key driver of transformation for the area.
Approval of Wilson & Co. task order award of planning MainStreet Great Blocks Project approved in August of 2024.
Grants MainStreet MRA (Metropolitan Redevelopment Area)Map
The Value of an MRA (Metropolitan Redevelopment Area) Plan
Once adopted, the Metropolitan Redevelopment Area (MRA) Plan serves as a powerful tool for revitalizing Downtown Grants. It enables the strategic use of public resources to support private redevelopment projects identified within the plan, fostering partnerships that drive tangible community benefits.
How the MRA Plan Works
- Public-Private Partnerships: Public resources can be allocated to private projects that align with the goals of the MRA Plan, ensuring a collaborative approach to downtown revitalization.
- Guided Development Agreements: All redevelopment efforts are guided by formal agreements that prioritize projects offering clear and measurable benefits to the community, such as improved infrastructure, economic growth, and enhanced public spaces.
- Catalytic Projects: By focusing on key improvement projects, like the Santa Fe Avenue (Route 66) redesign, the MRA Plan helps spark additional investment and development in the surrounding areas.
Why MRAs Are Effective
Metropolitan Redevelopment Areas (MRAs) are critical for overcoming barriers to revitalization, such as underutilized properties or infrastructure challenges. By directing resources and attention to areas with high potential, MRAs:
- Promote economic growth and attract new businesses.
- Improve quality of life through enhanced public spaces and amenities.
- Preserve and celebrate local history and culture.
Learn More:
Discover how MRAs are shaping the future of Downtown Grants and communities across New Mexico. Contact us or visit [Insert Website/Resource Link] for more information about how MRAs support vibrant and sustainable downtowns.
Together, we can turn vision into reality and create a thriving Grants MainStreet District!
Great Blocks Project Timeline
How to Get Involved
Stay Informed
Advocate for Change
Stay Informed
- Follow updates about the MRA Plan and related projects through the City of Grants and Grants MainStreet Project’s website and social media.
- Download the Spokes on 66 Car Show app or visit downtown regularly to see progress and events firsthand.
Participate
Advocate for Change
Stay Informed
- Attend city council meetings, workshops, or forums about downtown revitalization efforts.
- Share your feedback, ideas, and concerns via surveys and forums to help shape the future of our downtown.
Advocate for Change
Advocate for Change
Advocate for Change
- Encourage others to get involved and promote the importance of a thriving downtown.
- Connect with local leaders to express your enthusiasm for downtown revitalization projects.
Check out how Farmington used their MRA to support MainStreet revitalization
MRA Plan Implementation Toolkit
A toolkit designed to guide the community's implementation of an MRA plan.
Together, Let’s Make a Difference!
Be a part of the exciting transformation happening in Downtown Grants. Your involvement—whether through volunteering, supporting local businesses, or sharing your ideas—can help shape a vibrant, thriving community that reflects the heart and soul of our city.
Together, we can:
🌟 Revitalize our historic downtown.
🌟 Support local businesses and create economic opportunities.
🌟 Foster a sense of pride and connection in our community.
Let’s join forces to make Downtown Grants a destination we all love and celebrate.
Together, let’s make a difference!
Contact Us:
grantsmainstreet66@gmail.com | (505) 658-2450 | PO Box 337 Grants, NM 87020
Copyright © 2023 Grants MainStreet Project - All Rights Reserved.
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