Historic Downtown Yankton Association's vision when founded was based on the Main Street Program.  This 4-Point approach of the Main Street Program involves getting everyone working toward the same goal and assembling the appropriate human and financial resources to implement a revitalization program.  In doing so, HDYA will help the downtown district achieve its fullest potential as a great place to live, work, visit and connect!

This cooperative effort creates a united atmosphere within a unique downtown business district that is consistent with the preservation of its historic character, while at the same time stimulating economic growth.

Main Street Program: 4 Point Approach

• 1. Organization

  Historic Downtown Yankton is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.  A governing board and standing committees make up the fundamental organizational structure of the volunteer-driven program.  Volunteers are coordinated and supported by a paid program director as well.

• 2. Promotion

  The 2nd approach in the 4-point approach is Promotion.  Closely following organization, promotion strives to sell a positive image of the commercial district and encourages consumers and investors to live, work, shop, play and invest in Historic Downtown Yankton.  By marketing our unique characteristics to residents, investors, business owners, and visitors, an effective promotional strategy forges a positive image through advertising, retail promotional activity, special events, and marketing campaigns carried out by local volunteers.

• 3. Design

  The 3rd approach is design which entails getting Historic Downtown Yankton into top physical shape.  Capitalizing on its best assets — such as historic buildings and pedestrian-oriented streets — is just part of the story.  An inviting atmosphere, created through attractive window displays, parking areas, building improvements, street furniture, signs, sidewalks, street lights, and landscaping, conveys a positive visual message about the commercial district and what it has to offer.  Design activities also include instilling good maintenance practices in the commercial district, enhancing the physical appearance of the commercial district by rehabilitating historic buildings, encouraging appropriate new construction, developing sensitive design management systems, and long-term planning.  The hanging flower baskets and the efforts to improve and maintain our street-scape lighting enhance our downtown area and create a wonderful place to work, visit and stay.

• 4. Economic Development

  The final approach is the Economic Restructuring which strengthens a community's existing economic assets while expanding and diversifying its economic base.  The Main Street program helps sharpen the competitiveness of existing business owners and recruits compatible new businesses and new economic uses to build a commercial district that responds to today's consumers' needs.  Converting unused or underused commercial space into economically productive property also helps boost the profitability of the district.

Businesses interested in helping Historic Downtown Yankton Association achieve our vision, should check out our membership pages to see what benefits you can receive by becoming a member!