Could Elizabethton soon be the next city to be back on “Main Street?”

City officials and downtown merchants started to explore the idea in June by welcoming National Main Street and Tennessee Main Street program representatives to the area and showcasing what the downtown area has to offer. The idea of possibly rejoining the Main Street program has been in the back of the minds of several throughout the community and Elizabethton representatives recently visited with Main Street programs in Greeneville and Jonesborough to scout the program’s viability in the area.

The Main Street initiative is used as an economic development tool that helps downtowns receive assistance by “leveraging local assets — from historic, cultural and architectural resources to local enterprises and community pride,” according to information provided by the Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development.

Nancy Williams, director of Tennessee Main Street, praised the infrastructure for downtown Elizabethton during the June meeting and added it fits the qualifications of being a Tennessee Main Street. She alluded to the fact that the downtown has potential and that its vacancy problem “isn’t as bad as most places” they have visited.

Downtown Elizabethton’s hub is primarily focused through East Elk Avenue. Canopy construction over the businesses down the road is nearing completion. Restaurants like Jiggy Ray’s have encouraged a more vibrant downtown scene and the addition of attractions, like Elizabethton Escape, has added to the allure the stretch of businesses that range from restaurants and clothing shops to antique stores, barber shops, salons and book stores. Events like the holiday parades, Carter County Cruise-Ins and even down the road for the Bonnie Kate Theater and the Downtown Elizabethton Farmers Market have also encouraged citizens and visitors alike to visit the area.

But while merchants and city leaders look at ways to encourage growth, what are the statuses of some buildings down East Elk Avenue?

While the majority of buildings down the roadway are owned by individuals in Elizabethton, a handful are also from the surrounding Tri-Cities region, including Johnson City.

A pair of buildings are owned by individuals out of state. The assessment data shows the Speropulos building located at 537 Elk Ave. is owned by “Speropulos Bessie Etal” based out of Maryland and was acquired by inheritance. The building currently has no visible foot traffic coming through. Data assessment also shows that 615 Elk Ave. is owned by “Keers Mary Sue Harmon L/E %David Honeycutt” based out of Florida, which is also empty. Other buildings down the stretch are also being courted for rent.

Individuals can visit tnmap.tn.gov/assessment to view the property map in its entirety. Real estate assessment data, along with the appraisal and value of property, can be accessed by scrolling over Carter County by using the map or by typing in an address or parcel number.

Developing a plan for downtown that involves true utilization of available space will be key if the city looks to pursue the Main Street program. Main Street’s “four-point approach” includes working on the design of the downtown, economic restructuring, promotion and organization to build partnerships.

Tennessee Main Street has a variety of programs that provide relief to downtown areas: Tennessee Main Street, Tennessee Downtowns, Main Street Entrepreneur Grant and Facade Improvement. Currently, the city included money in this year’s budget for a facade improvement program for downtown businesses.