About Us | Opelika Main Street

About Us


Main Street is a nationally recognized program that uses a four point approach to revitalize downtown areas. These four points are organization, economic restructuring, design and promotion. Main Street's approach is unique because its guiding principles are different from other redevelopment strategies. These principles include a comprehensive approach, incremental projects, community involvement and a strong public/private partnership.

Opelika's Main Street program began in 1987. Prior to its creation, the Downtown Redevelopment Authority worked to revitalize downtown. The development of a Main Street program for Opelika has enabled Opelika to become more aggressive in marketing its downtown. The day-to-day operations are handled by a full-time director with guidance and input from a twelve-member Board of Directors. Opelika Main Street provides many services including business recruitment, free design assistance, financial incentive programs and a coordinated promotion program.

Opelika Main Street's Accomplishments

  • Removal of metal canopies so facade improvements would be possible.
  • Over 18 million dollars invested in building improvements during program's first 10 years.
  • Partnered with City on planning and implementation of Streetscape project.
  • Contributed to process of saving the depot and its restoration.
  • Keep Opelika Beautiful's Beautification Award, 1998.
  • Created a facade enhancement program.
  • Applied for and received CDBG funds from the City to continue façade program.
  • Created a low interest loan program with area banks for building rehabilitation.
  • Developed additional special events.
  • Coordinated annual informational workshops and seminars.
  • Organized an auction as a fund raiser enabling expansion of Main Street's programs.
  • Initiated discount paint program for members.

Committees

Design

Help create an attractive, coordinated and quality image of downtown. Implement and promote a facade grant program. Enhance entranceways, streetscape, and signage.

Ecomomic Restructuring

Join this committee and assist in identifying and recruiting businesses for downtown. Develop incentives for new and existing businesses.

Outreach

This committee is given the duty of visiting downtown businesses, welcoming new businesses and developing membership benefits.

Promotions

Let's have fun! This committee is credited with promoting downtown. They organize retail promotions and special events.

If you are interested in becoming a member of a committee or a volunteer for special events, please contact the Main Street Office at 334.745.0466 or email us at info@opelikamainst.org to join a committee.

Board of Directors

Derek Lee, President
Director of Opelika Light & Power
1010 Avenue C
(334) 705-5570

Judy Odom, Past President
BancorpSouth
414 South 7th Street
Opelika, AL 36801
(334) 749-2041

Stacie Money, Vice President
Fringe
115 South 8th Street
Opelika, AL 36801
(334) 705-6727

Jill Bonneau, Secretary
Canine American Dog Boutique
108 South 8th Street
Opelika, AL 36801
(334) 705-6455

Dennis Smythe
Red Door June
831 South Railroad Avenue
Opelika, AL 36801
(334) 745-9086

Linda Gross
March of Dimes
71 Market PLace
Montgomery, AL 36117
(334) 277-6910

Michel Ulmer
Drs. Tatum & Tatum
614 Avenue A
Opelika, AL 36801
(334) 745-6393

 Cindy Chancellor
Auburn-Opelika Tourism Bureau
601 Avenue A
Opelika, AL 36801
(334) 745-4861

Lorna Roberts
BB&T
600 Second Avenue
Opelika, AL 36801

Hiro Fukai
Crossroads Property Solutions, LLC
408 South 8th Street
Opelika, AL 36801

John Story
S & S Termite
1406 Fitzpatrick Ave
Opelika, AL 36801
(334) 745-0666

Membership

If you are interested in becoming a member, please download our Membership Application and return it to our office at Opelika Main Street, P.O. Box 2464, Opelika, AL 36830-2464.

For more information concerning memberships, please contact the Main Street Office at 745-0466 or email us at info@opelikamainst.org.

Download Membership Application

Member Benefits

  • Website Link
  • Networking Opportunities
  • Committee Involvement
  • Access to Database of Downtown Properties and Businesses
  • The Bill Robert's Facade Enhancement Grant Program
  • Free Design Assistance
  • Discounts on Remodeling Supplies
  • Bank Discounts
  • Gas Deposit Waiver
  • Advertising Discounts

Volunteer

Clerical assistance and special event volunteers are also needed and very appreciated. Please download our Application for Volunteer Opportunities and return it to our office at Opelika Main Street, P.O. Box 2464, Opelika, AL 36830-2464 or contact the Main Street Office at (334) 745-0466 for more information.

Application for Volunteer Opportunities