What Is The Great Blocks Project on Main Street

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.

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.

1. Destination Appeal: Transform Downtown Grants into a vibrant destination for residents and visitors, with preserved and adaptively reused historic buildings.
2. 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.
3. Community Interaction: Create opportunities for safe and memorable community events to draw visitors and strengthen local engagement.
4. Economic Investment: Encourage local businesses and property development along key downtown corridors, fostering a diverse mix of retail, services, and housing.
5. Pedestrian Activity: Promote a lively, walkable downtown where pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles coexist harmoniously on Santa Fe Avenue and surrounding streets.

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.

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.

A toolkit designed to guide the community's implementation of an MRA plan.