Gonzales as a Main Street community preserves the integrity of its historic central business district and dozens of Victorian and antebellum homes while it encourages economic growth. Over the years much has been changed in Gonzales. It is important that we recognize our accomplishments in order to gauge our success and develop a plan for the future. Gonzales was awarded Official Main Street status in 1988 and is recognized as a National Main Street City. Reinvestment throughout these years totals $12,703,860, and some 252 jobs have been created during this period. The figures are good, but Gonzales still has many opportunities for design of buildings, economic restructuring, and promotion.

Main Street Department promotes preservation and rehabilitation of historic buildings, business retention, recruitment, and City activities in the designated district, as well as throughout the City. Towards these ends, the City develops an annual marketing plan, directs purchases of media advertising, targets specific visitors, and solicits businesses through trade shows. The City also promotes special events and provides promotional brochures.

Vision Statement It is our vision that the central business district will be a striving center of commerce and a tourist destination as the resulf of historic preservation.  Mission Statement To identify and promote all economic and community opportunities through preservation and the four point approach to Main Street; Organization, Design, Economic Restructuring and Promotions in order to provide a more desirable and profitable central business district.

Goals

• Generate Public Awareness of Importance of Historical Preservation.

• Work with local businesses to generate downtown shopping.

• Recruit and Retain businesses in Main Street area.

• Educational Programs.

Main Street Four Point Approach

1. Organization.  Working to build a consensus and cooperation among the many groups and individuals who have a vested interest in the commercial district.
2. Design.  Enhancing the commercial district's physical appearance by rehabilitating historic buildings and managing design improvements.
3. Promotion.  Marketing the commercial district's assets to customers, residents, potential investors, new businesses, and visitors.
4. Economic Restructuring.  Strengthening the district's existing economic base while finding ways to expand it to meet new opportunities.

Contact Us

The Main Street Office is located in the Municipal Building at 820 St. Joseph.  Hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.  Staff may be contacted by phone at 830-672-2815, by fax at 830-672-2813, or by e-mail at mainstreet@cityofgonzales.org.

More information

Gonzales Main Street Reassessment Report	In late June 2010, a team of working professionals in historic preservation and downtown revitalization spent several days in Gonzales visiting with stakeholder of the historic downtown and those involved in the 22-year-old local Main Street program.  (Click here for the Main Street Reassessment report)
Buildings for Lease or Sale	316 St. George Street (Click here)
Lighted Christmas Parade	The annual Lighted Christmas parade is held on the first Friday in December in downtown Gonzales.  Over fifty floats, cars, trailers, and walkers participate in the parade.  After the parade join us on Confederate Square to light the community Christmas Tree, visit Santa, entertainment, enjoy delious food, and just have plain old fun.  Click on Christmas Parade for application and rules.    Click here for parade route.
Santa's Market	Santa's Market is a downtown promotion established by the Gonzales Main Street Advisory Board.  This arts and crafts show features over 50 vendors.  The show is held on December 3 and 4. Click on Santa's Market for application to participate in show.
Business Improvement Grant Program	Gonzales Main Street seeks to improve the image of downtown Gonzales through the historic restoration and rehabilitation of commercial building facades located in the Downtown Redevelopment Area.  As an economic incentive, Gonzales Main Street in partnership with Gonzales Economic Development Corporation has designed the following facade reimbursement grant program.
Texas Main Street Program	The Texas Main Street Program helps Texas cities revitalize their historic downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts by utilizing preservation and economic development strategies.
National Main Street Center	Since 1980, the National Main Street Center has been working with communities across the nation to revitalize their historic or traditional commercial areas.