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News Release

Reedsport Among Recipients Of “Excellence On Main” Awards - 10/08/25

SALEM, Oregon – Oregon Main Street announced its 2025 “Excellence on Main” award winners on October 8 during the Opening Session of the Main Street conference in downtown Albany. Created in 2010, the annual Excellence on Main awards honor outstanding efforts to sustain and enhance historic downtowns across the state. This year's edition saw the acknowledgment of 11 remarkable projects, activities, and individuals. Reedsport was the recipient of the Economic Vitality award based on nominations by Reedsport Main Street in addition to Standout Volunteer recognition received by Mayor Linda McCollum.
 

2025 Economic Vitality Award: Highwater Café & Market and Highwater Offices

The 2025 Economic Vitality Award goes to Highwater Café & Market and Highwater Offices in downtown Reedsport for transforming a long-neglected 1941 building into a thriving hub of commerce and community. Led by owner Jill Nelson, the $2 million renovation preserved historic character while creating a popular café and fully leased office suites that attract residents, visitors, and small businesses. Supported in part by an Oregon Main Street Revitalization Grant, the project has boosted downtown activity, spurred additional investment, and set a strong foundation for Reedsport’s economic growth.
 

Standout Volunteer Certificate: Mayor Linda McCollum, Reedsport Main Street

In addition to the Excellence on Main Awards, Mayor Linda McCollum was one or six recipients who received recognition as a Standout Volunteer for contributions to their local main street organization. Mayor Linda McCollum stands as a steadfast champion of the Reedsport Main Street program since its earliest days. As founding member and board president, Linda helped launch the beloved Holiday Tree Lighting, a cherished community tradition since 2016. Alongside Councilor Turner, her leadership has ensured steady funding and strong city support, helping the program thrive for over a decade.
 

“Highwater Café & Market, Highwater Offices, and Mayor Linda McCollum exemplify the dedication and vision that drive Reedsport’s downtown vitality,” said Sheri Stuart, state coordinator of Oregon Main Street. “Through historic preservation, economic investment, and steadfast volunteer leadership, they’ve created a welcoming, thriving downtown that benefits the entire community.”
 

The Excellence on Main awards underscore the diverse facets of the Main Street Approach™, a comprehensive strategy developed by the National Main Street Center, which is embraced by Oregon Main Street Network communities. Through this approach, communities thrive by leveraging innovative projects, community-focused programs, and historic preservation to improve their vitality and enrich residents' lives.
 

The Oregon Main Street program empowers local economies, fosters community connections, and enhances the overall appeal of the state. The network of local Main Streets working within the Oregon Main Street program is a testament to the transformative impact of collaborative efforts, nurturing vibrant environments for residents, visitors, and workers alike. Discover more about the Oregon Main Street program's influence by visiting www.oregonmainstreet.org.

Reedsport Among Recipients Of “Excellence On Main” Awards - 10/08/25

SALEM, Oregon – Oregon Main Street announced its 2025 “Excellence on Main” award winners on October 8 during the Opening Session of the Main Street conference in downtown Albany. Created in 2010, the annual Excellence on Main awards honor outstanding efforts to sustain and enhance historic downtowns across the state. This year's edition saw the acknowledgment of 11 remarkable projects, activities, and individuals. Reedsport was the recipient of the Economic Vitality award based on nominations by Reedsport Main Street in addition to Standout Volunteer recognition received by Mayor Linda McCollum.
 

2025 Economic Vitality Award: Highwater Café & Market and Highwater Offices

The 2025 Economic Vitality Award goes to Highwater Café & Market and Highwater Offices in downtown Reedsport for transforming a long-neglected 1941 building into a thriving hub of commerce and community. Led by owner Jill Nelson, the $2 million renovation preserved historic character while creating a popular café and fully leased office suites that attract residents, visitors, and small businesses. Supported in part by an Oregon Main Street Revitalization Grant, the project has boosted downtown activity, spurred additional investment, and set a strong foundation for Reedsport’s economic growth.
 

Standout Volunteer Certificate: Mayor Linda McCollum, Reedsport Main Street

In addition to the Excellence on Main Awards, Mayor Linda McCollum was one or six recipients who received recognition as a Standout Volunteer for contributions to their local main street organization. Mayor Linda McCollum stands as a steadfast champion of the Reedsport Main Street program since its earliest days. As founding member and board president, Linda helped launch the beloved Holiday Tree Lighting, a cherished community tradition since 2016. Alongside Councilor Turner, her leadership has ensured steady funding and strong city support, helping the program thrive for over a decade.
 

“Highwater Café & Market, Highwater Offices, and Mayor Linda McCollum exemplify the dedication and vision that drive Reedsport’s downtown vitality,” said Sheri Stuart, state coordinator of Oregon Main Street. “Through historic preservation, economic investment, and steadfast volunteer leadership, they’ve created a welcoming, thriving downtown that benefits the entire community.”
 

The Excellence on Main awards underscore the diverse facets of the Main Street Approach™, a comprehensive strategy developed by the National Main Street Center, which is embraced by Oregon Main Street Network communities. Through this approach, communities thrive by leveraging innovative projects, community-focused programs, and historic preservation to improve their vitality and enrich residents' lives.
 

The Oregon Main Street program empowers local economies, fosters community connections, and enhances the overall appeal of the state. The network of local Main Streets working within the Oregon Main Street program is a testament to the transformative impact of collaborative efforts, nurturing vibrant environments for residents, visitors, and workers alike. Discover more about the Oregon Main Street program's influence by visiting www.oregonmainstreet.org.