Downtown Medford Association receives a $200,000 Oregon Main Street Revitalization Grant to help restore Holly Theatre!
Two local not-for-profit groups partnered this spring to bring Medford’s first-ever Oregon Main Street Revitalization Grant to the historic Holly Theatre. The funding, in the amount of $200,000, supports crucial electrical upgrades and helps to bring the Holly restoration closer to completion. Downtown Medford Association’s (DMA) mission is to economically revitalize Medford’s downtown core.
Entertainment venues are crucial to a well-rounded healthy mix of businesses, amenities, and destinations downtown. DMA is an Affiliate of the Oregon Main Street program, formalizing that relationship in 2022, and becoming eligible for the Oregon Main Street Revitalization Grant.
The Oregon Main Street program is a statewide initiative designed to help revitalize downtown communities wherever they are in their process. The program provides funding and technical assistance to local communities, helping them to preserve historic buildings, promote economic development and create vibrant public spaces.
The Downtown Medford Association’s success in securing this grant is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the Holly Theatre Restoration Committee, as well as the broader community’s commitment to preserving and the revitalization of downtown Medford.
The grant is an important step forward in the ongoing efforts to revitalize the area and ensure that the Holly Theatre remains a treasured cultural asset for generations to come.
The historic Holly Theatre restoration project and the commitment of Jefferson Live! (JL!), the not-for-profit championing the project, has long inspired DMA members, partners, and Board members. When the grant opportunity became available, their respective teams worked closely on becoming application-ready.
“DMA is thrilled to have leveraged our Affiliate status within the first year of our Oregon Main Street formal standing to facilitate this grant opportunity to a beloved historic theater, bringing our resident and business community one step closer to seeing their first show at the Holly,” shared DMA board member Marta Tarantsey.
Shelley Austin, JL! Executive Director, states, “These grants and this kind of partnership between DMA and Jefferson Live! benefit not only the Holly Theatre but the entire community. When it’s finished, the Holly will be a cherished jewel in the crown of Medford, attracting tourist dollars and generating activity downtown. This grant enables us to upgrade electrical systems, allowing us to provide the best experience for our customers, and protecting our assets and careful historic restoration with reliable electrics.”
In February and March, the two organizations’ teams rolled up their sleeves to research all that being an OMS grant recipient would entail. They outlined an agreement detailing their respective roles and responsibilities, discussed plans for promoting the grant and engaging the community, then succeeded in writing a winning grant. DMA and the Holly teams encourage you to learn more about each organization, and to sign up for their newsletters.
Holly Theatre | Downtown Medford Association
MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR JUNE 3rd
The Holly will open its doors from 11am to 1pm for the public at the Open House, regularly scheduled each first Saturday of the month. Join us to tour the theater, learn a little history of the building, and hear what’s next in the construction plans. A DMA representative will be available to provide more insights on this exciting partnership and grant process. You can learn about the electric upgrades provided by the grant and ask all the questions you have.
