The City of Electra's Main Street Program grew from community concern about the future of Electra. Local volunteers, supported by City government, applied for admission, and in October of 1997, Electra joined four other towns as official 1998 Texas Main Street Cities, beginning a partnership with the Texas Historical Commission's (THC) Main Street Program that has focused state expertise and local volunteerism on the Main Street Approach™ to community revitalization through good design, effective organization, business development and support, and promotion of Electra.

That approach led Main Street Electra’s Advisory Board to adopt the following Mission Statement:

The mission of Electra’s Main Street program is to foster revitalization and preservation of historic Electra by organizing community efforts to

• Assure quality design of public spaces and private properties
• Encourage economic vitality through business retention, recruitment, and development
• Promote Electra and its economy through activities that instill community pride and welcome visitors

Over the years Main Street Advisory Board members and volunteers have spearheaded drives to relight the Christmas Star and the downtown derrick and maintain annual holiday lighting; to provide street furniture and street lamps for downtown; to finance and maintain decorative street lamp banners; to get signage on US 287; to support improvements for the Grand Theatre; to develop small incentive grant programs for improvements to commercial property within the Downtown Historical District; and to develop a weekly free tour of the Old City Light Plant which led to Electra's inclusion in the Texas State Travel Guide since 2003. The group also has to its credit the development of a small business, Main Street Market, a 2002 holiday market designed to provide additional holiday shopping opportunities downtown and a showcase for local home-based businesses. At the end of the holiday season, the project became a private business operated until 2007 as The Market at 222 W. Cleveland. In addition, two downtown sidewalk replacement projects have been financed with Texas Capital Fund Main Street Improvements grants of $150,000 each, the first completed in the fall of 2002, and the second in the summer of 2007. Fundraising for the Grand Theatre in summer of 2008 triggered the organization of the Ole Grand Theatre Thespian Society Players and performances of an old-time medicine show that raised $4,500 for a new theatre floor installed in 2009.

Electra's Main Street program has been recognized by the National Trust for Historic Preservation as a National Main Street Community annually since 1999. In 2004, Electra was named a Preserve America Community, “in recognition of its continuing commitment to preserving and using its cultural and natural resources for the benefit of the public.” And in April 2007, during Electra's centennial year, Main Street Electra received a Pioneer Spirit Award from Wichita County Heritage Society for its preservation activities.

Volunteers install Preserve America sign.

Board members and Director receive National Recognition award at Texas Revitalization Conference in Tyler, November 2009.

Volunteers are always welcomed! Stop by the Main Street Office at 109 N. Main Street, weekdays 8 am to 5 p.m., to find your place in making Electra a better place through the Main Street Program.

Incentive Grant Programs

From Golf Tournament proceeds, the Main Street program funds matching grants for approved building improvements within the Downtown Historical District.

Building Improvement Incentive Grants

In an effort to save historic buildings within the Downtown Historic District, the Main Street Advisory Board funds a Building Incentive Grant Program. Qualified commercial projects can be awarded matching grants of up to $2,000, paid as reimbursements after agreed-upon repairs have been completed. In 2007, roof repairs were made a priority of the program, in addition to façade improvements covered since the program began. Approved applications will be funded up to a $10,000 limit in 2010. Project design approval is an essential part of the grant requirement, and Main Street's Design Committee can assist building owners in applying for the funds.

 Click here to download the Building Improvement Incentive Grant Program Guidelines.

 Click here to download an Building Improvement Incentive Grant Program Application.

Building Cleanup Incentive Grants

Main Street Electra provides a free commercial roll-off container for approved downtown cleanup projects, limited to five projects per year. Apply to the Main Street Office at 102 N. Waggoner Street.

 Click here to download a Building Cleanup Incentive Program Application.

Merchants Meetings

• Main Street's Economic Restructuring Committee partners with the local Chamber to foster cooperation among local businesses through quarterly meetings for information sharing and marketing activities.

Marketing and Tourism Development

• Main Street's Promotion Committee manages a new resident welcome basket project designed to introduce newcomers to local businesses and services.
• Main Street-funded trade show marketing booths aimed at leisure travelers showcase Electra businesses and events.
• Annual inclusion in the Texas State Travel Guide and highway signage help to bring travelers from US 287 into Electra, increasing the market for local goods and services.
• Membership in Red River Valley Tourism Association brings regional opportunities such as the US 82-Hwy 287 Yard Sale on the first Saturday in June, and cross-promotion of member events. For a list of activities and events in the Red River Valley region click here.

Texas State Travel Guide

Click on the graphic below to view the "Electra" page in the Texas State Guide.

Main Street's major fundraiser is the golf scramble held the first Saturday in June each year. Proceeds from the event fund local incentive grants and other downtown redevelopment activities, from beautification to marketing local businesses.

The Main Street program manages donations for downtown street furniture, street lamps, and street trees through its Design Committee. In addition, three sets of decorative street lamp banners acquired through a combination of grants and purchases are managed by Main Street volunteers. Call the Main Street office at  940-495-3758 for information on making a long-lasting gift to Electra in memory or honor of family and friends.

Main Street facilitates professional design consultation services for downtown building owners through the Texas Main Street Center. This free service is a benefit of participation in the Texas Historical Commission's Main Street Program.

National Preservation Month in May is celebrated with the local Main Street Mysteries Contest for third-grade students at Dinsmore Elementary School. Identifying design elements from historic downtown buildings helps students appreciate local architecture and develop a new awareness of their surroundings.

The old City Light Plant, a WPA-built brick structure housing electric generating equipment which once supplied power to the community's municipal power system, is open for guided tours each Friday from 10 am to noon, except holidays, at the corner of Railroad Avenue and Electra Street. For information or to volunteer, call the Main Street office, 940.495.3758.