The Review Magazine Summer 2025

Preservation Meets Revitalization on Main Street OAKLAND COUNTY

By Emily Landau

The 25th Annual Oakland County Main Street Awards were held this June. At an optimistic, convivial, and at times raucous silver anniversary–themed event at The Roxy (a music hall in downtown Rochester), an array of elected and appointed local officials, DDA members, and other leaders from across Oakland County celebrated the past year’s successes and recognized achievements in downtown development, placemaking, revitalization, municipal events, and more.

Main Street Oakland County is an affiliate of the 40-plus-year-old Main Street America, which supports preservation-based downtown revitalization. A nonprofit initiative of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Main Street America (headquartered in Chicago) has helped more than 2,000 historic districts across the country through training, research, advocacy, and technical assistance. These efforts have led to the rehabilitation of over 246,000 buildings, $59.6 billion in new investment, and the creation of more than 500,000 jobs and 115,000 businesses. On average, every $1 invested locally generates $18 in additional investment.

| Summer 2025 | 17