Jacksonville Main Street

Chartered in 1998, Jacksonville Main Street officially started its work in 1999, as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing downtown Jacksonville, Illinois. Virtually everyone in the area is a stake holder in the success of downtown.

Therefore, understanding that the vitality of downtown Jacksonville is a direct benefit to all citizens and businesses of Jacksonville and the surrounding region, Jacksonville Main Street is not a project with a beginning and an end, but a comprehensive approach to grass roots problem solving with evolving objectives. It is the only charitable organization that reinvests all of its resources into making a vibrant and thriving downtown for all.

The team collaborates with the National Main Street Center and Illinois Main Street, plus state and local agencies, to provide a variety of resources and promotions to make Jacksonville’s historic central business district a top destination for residents, entrepreneurs, and visitors alike.

Jacksonville Main Street events like the annual Downtown Concert Series, Blues and Brews, Sip ‘n’ Shop, Pumpkin Festival, and holiday activities promote downtown, attracting thousands of people annually, boosting business exposure, local sales, and community involvement. 

Heritage based Wall Dog murals, Big Eli benches, Looking for Lincoln wayside exhibits, wayfinding signs, Big Eli benches, banners, and holiday decorations are just some of the downtown beautification projects that Jacksonville Main Street funds. 

Jacksonville Main Street advocates for and educates about building preservation, entrepreneurial development, and promotions on a variety of platforms and methods. 

Jacksonville Main Street volunteer-led committees utilize the National 4-Point Approach (for Design, Organization Promotion, and Economic Vitality) to complete projects aimed at fulfilling the organization’s vision to make an active downtown that is inviting and thriving for all. Committee work crosses all the points for a unified approach and greater impact with all projects that enhance the overall downtown experience and make the historic central business district the place that entrepreneurs, patrons, visitors, and residents want to be. 

Future goals include the creation of special murals to honor both the community's crucial role in the Underground Railroad movement and the city's bicentennial. Other current projects feature ongoing mural collection maintenance, enhanced beautification in Central Park, wayfinding signage, improved business promotional events, and a Facade Improvement Grant program.