Astoria Receives Awards For Downtown Revitalization Efforts - 11/02/20

SALEM — Oregon Main Street announced its 2020 “Excellence in Downtown Revitalization” award winners today and released videos of all the recipients. A total of fifteen businesses, projects, and people were recognized. Two of those recognized were from Astoria based on nominations submitted by the Astoria Downtown Historic District Association.

• Blaylock’s Whiskey Bar won the Best New Business of the Year award. In 2019, what started as a fun idea snowballed to reality when Blaylock’s Whiskey Bar founders, Michael Angiletta and Seth Howard, signed the lease on a vacant 1920’s Art Deco building. Cory Teubner, a multi-year “Bartender of the Year” winner and Ben Thompson, a whiskey aficionado with over 15 years in the industry, joined the team. When Seth stepped away in late 2019, Michael offered both Cory and Ben a piece of what they helped create and both are now part owners. Michael, Ben, and Cory also deserve credit for their response to statewide closure of bars due to the pandemic. Blaylock’s partnered with six local food carts and chefs to provide a unique curbside takeout experience: pre-mixed servings of your favorite Blaylock’s cocktail mix combined with delicious local cuisine. View award video.
• Astoria Downtown Historic District Association’s Glass Tile Grant received the Best Historic Preservation Project award. The Astoria Downtown Historic District Association wanted to restore and preserve the sidewalk prisms installed almost 100 years ago to let sunlight into below-grade spaces. Many of the glass tiles are cracked, broken, or completely missing creating a pedestrian hazard. There aren’t any sources for this type of glass tile today so the ADHDA works with a local artisan to make their own. ADHDA developed a matching grant program in partnership with the City of Astoria to help cover the cost which business match. ADHDA provides volunteer labor for the installation. This project is a great example of perseverance on the part of ADHDA to preserve a piece of their community’s history while improving accessibility for all. View award video.

Oregon Main Street’s Excellence in Downtown Revitalization Awards were created in 2010 to recognize the efforts of those who work day-in and day-out to revitalize Oregon’s historic downtowns and traditional commercial neighborhoods. 6 other towns in Oregon were honored with awards this year. View videos of all award winners here. 

“What is particularly rewarding to see is how many individuals are giving their time, energy, and creativity to make their communities a better place,” said Sheri Stuart, state coordinator, Oregon Main Street. “Now more than ever it is important to celebrate our award winners. They serve as an inspiration to other communities. By their actions, they encourage others to join our Network to preserve the heart and soul of communities across our state. We thank them for their efforts and congratulate all our nominees on their achievements.”

The wide range of awards is reflective of the comprehensive Main Street Approach® to downtown revitalization developed by the National Main Street Center. This model is used by the communities participating in the three-tier Main Street Track of Oregon Main Street Network. From 2010 to 2019, communities participating in the Performing Main Street and Transforming Downtown levels – the top two tiers – have seen $112.1 million in private building improvement projects, $109.8 million in public projects, 1,262 private rehab projects, 644 net new businesses, 151 business expansions and 3,885 net new jobs. In addition, 241,761 hours of volunteer time has been contributed to local main street organizations in the top tiers.

Oregon Main Street is part of Oregon Heritage, a division of Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. For additional information, visit www.oregonmainstreet.org.