Woonsocket - Historic Main Street

Main Street was first developed in the last quarter of the 19th Century as the commercial, financial, institutional and cultural center of the City. Several significant structures in the Main Street area are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In recognition of Main Street's cultural and historical importance, the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor Commission selected the former Providence and Worcester Railroad Depot for its new headquarters.

From its inception in 1989, the Main Street 2000 Corporation, now doing business as Woonsocket Main Street-Riverfront Initiative, has worked with the City to bring about the revitalization of Woonsocket's Historical Downtown. The Corporation's mission is to preserve the historic integrity and charm of the area, and to fully develop its potential for commercial activity and tourism, by attracting new businesses, retaining existing businesses; and assisting in the rehabilitation of Main Street's historic infrastructure. Main St office building

To date, nearly $4 million in City, State and federal funds have been expended for public improvement projects in the Main Street area. Several building facades have been restored with the use of funds from the City's CDBG program to match investment by property owners.

Main Street has been completely reconstructed from Market Square to Depot Square, facilitating conversion from one-way to two-way traffic. Due in part to the availability of federal ISTEA funds, the City was able to include several urban design elements as part of the roadway reconstruction, such as period lighting fixtures, a scenic overlook area at Woonsocket Falls, and interpretive exhibits delineating the City's historic water power system.

The Main Street area's newly developed River Island Park is frequently hailed as one of the City's crowning jewels. The park serves as the site of summer concerts and special events. The recent addition of an outdoor skating rink contributes to its establishment as a premier recreation area.

In addition, the City's $2.95 million Visitors' Center and Museum of Work and Culture at Market Square, was completed and opened to the public in October 1997. The restoration of the historic Stadium Theatre at Monument Square has been completed at a total cost of $2.5 million.

With the successful completion of these two projects, Main Street is once again functioning as the cultural center of Woonsocket and the surrounding Northern Rhode Island Region.

Woonsocket Main Street-Riverfront Initiative offers technical assistance to area businesses through a variety of targeted programs. The Corporation also provides matching sign grants and administers a micro loan program to assist businesses in acquiring needed capital. Further information may be obtained by contacting Main Street 2000 at 401-765-2000 or e-mailing mainst2000@woonsocketri.org.