Columbus OH – Heritage Ohio is proud to announce the 2011 certification of Lakewood as a National Main Street Community. A member of the Main Street program since 2006, Lakewood continues to work towards revitalizing the historic downtown district.

“We are very pleased to announce that Lakewood has been recognized as a Nationally Accredited Main Street Community for 2011,” said Jeff Siegler, Director of Revitalization for Heritage Ohio. “This designation is a testament to the hard work and commitment of the Lakewood Alive Board of Directors, staff and volunteers. Being recognized as a National Main Street Community signifies that Lakewood Alive is proficient in the ten criteria as set by the National Main Street Center. Meeting these criteria is a strong indicator of an organizations ability to successfully revitalize downtown and maintain a healthy and sustainable district.”

In 2010, $135,174,342 was invested across 34 Main Street Districts, of which Lakewood was one. For each dollar that went into the local budget, communities saw over $35 in improvements such as renovations, new construction, and façade improvements.

Heritage Ohio helps people to: save the places that matter, build community, and live better. Heritage Ohio is the leading statewide, not-for-profit preservation organization, dedicated to encouraging and assisting people and organizations to protect and preserve Ohio’s heritage and cultural resources. Formed in 2000, Heritage Ohio has more than 500 members ranging from individuals and households to organizations and local governments. Since 1998, Heritage Ohio has contracted with the National Trust for Historic Preservation as Ohio’s state coordinating agency for the Main Street Program™. Learn more at www.HeritageOhio.org.

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