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Development and Revitalization Team (DART)
Helping Montrose businesses grow and be more prosperous is the primary focus of the city’s Development and Revitalization Team (DART). This entity takes a modern approach to the city’s efforts to foster business growth in Montrose.
As a Main Street America™ Accredited program, Montrose is a recognized leader among the national network of more than 1,200 neighborhoods and communities that share a commitment to creating high-quality places and building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development. All Main Street America™ Accredited programs meet a set of National Accreditation Standards of Performance as outlined by Main Street America.
Scope
The Main Street program, which was once a Downtown Development Authority initiative, was re-organized by the city under DART in 2017 to focus on expanding business assistance beyond Main Street. DART extends the Main Street program approach to a variety of business interests throughout the city.
Participation
DART’s targeted approach to community revitalization within the city limits is a group effort with representation from City Council members, local business and property owners, the Montrose County School Board, a wide range of area non-profit organizations, and city employees.
Dialogue between a wide cross-section of business interests was created with a vision of placing local employers in high priority when it comes to financial assistance programs offered through DART. Another focus is the preservation of historic properties all over Montrose.
Interested in being a part of the DART? Submit the simple online volunteer form.
Future Plans
The community will see a greater reach from DART in the areas of business retention and attraction, economic vitality, promotion, and design as it moves forward with the implementation of its Strategic Plan.
Through DART, the city is an accredited Certified Local Government under a process administered by the National Park Service and the State Historic Preservation Office to work in ways to preserve and revitalize the historic buildings in downtown Montrose. Tax credits and other financial services are available for investors and business owners looking to revitalize downtown's historic properties.
In July 2018, the City Council approved a Historic Preservation policy that establishes a voluntary, formal structure for the preservation of historic structures in the downtown area.
Visit the Montrose Main Street Historical Tour website
Success Stories
Over the past decade, the city has invested around $1 million in downtown projects, creating over $22 million in economic growth.
The results of DART programs can be seen throughout Montrose. For example, DART has helped with physical improvements to Storm King Distillery and interior improvements at Back Street Bagels and the Daily Bread bakery on Main Street. With assistance from DART, the Coffee Trader's owners were able to construct an outside seating area with steel barriers for safety at their new store on South Fifth Street.
Accreditation
DART is accredited by the national Main Street America program in recognition of its exemplary commitment to preservation-based economic development and community revitalization through the Main Street Approach.
The accreditation places the DART program among 1200 vibrant, nationally accredited Main Street America communities across the nation that have worked to generate impressive economic returns, preserve community character, and celebrate local history. DART was nominated by Colorado's Department of Local Affairs Main Street Program for the national accreditation.
Find out more about the national Main Street Program.