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Peabody Main Street is a 501 (C) 3 Nonprofit Organization made possible with a partnership with the Kansas Main Street Program of the Kansas Department of Commerce. |
Did You Know?
Peabody's entire downtown district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Walking and Driving Tour Brochures are available at the City Office in Peabody.
- Mission
- Board
- Committees
- Events
- Incentives
- Revitalization
- Industrial Park
- Microloans
- Other MS Communities
Our Mission
The Peabody Main Street Association's mission is to achieve ongoing downtown revitalization through the preservation of its historic character and unique cultural and architectural integrity based upon the concentrated efforts of design, economic development, promotion, and organization.
Our Vision
Through collaborative efforts, community support and pride – by 2012 Downtown Peabody will be a well preserved historic district with additional shopping & dining opportunities. Public meeting space, restrooms and lodging will be available and an active cultural event calendar will be in place making Peabody a regional destination.
The Main Street Approach
From The National Trust for Historic Preservation's National Main Street Center
The Main Street program's success is based on a comprehensive strategy of work, tailored to local needs and opportunities, in four broad areas, called the Main Street Four Point Approach:
Design: Enhancing the physical appearance of the commercial district by rehabilitating historic buildings, encouraging supportive new construction, developing sensitive design management systems, and long-term planning.
Organization: Building consensus and cooperation among the many groups and individuals who have a role in the revitalization process.
Promotion: Marketing the traditional commercial district's assets to customers, potential investors, new businesses, local citizens and visitors.
Economic Restructuring: Strengthening the district's existing economic base while finding ways to expand it to meet new opportunities - and challenges from outlying development.
The Main Street Philosophy
The National Main Street Center's experience in helping communities bring their downtowns back to life has shown time and time again that the Main Street Four Point Approach succeeds only when combined with the following eight principles:
Comprehensive: A single project cannot revitalize a downtown or commercial neighborhood. An ongoing series of initiatives is vital to build community support and create lasting progress.
Incremental: Small projects make a big difference. They demonstrate that "things are happening" on Main Street and hone the skills and confidence the program will need to tackle more complex problems.
Self-Help: Although the National Main Street Center can provide valuable direction and hands-on technical assistance, only local leadership can initiate long-term success by fostering and demonstrating community involvement and commitment to the revitalization effort.
Public/private partnership: Every local Main Street program needs the support and expertise of both the public and private sectors. For an effective partnership, each must recognize the strengths and weaknesses of the other.
Identifying and capitalizing on existing assets: One of the National Main Street Center's key goals is to help communities recognize and make the best use of their unique offerings. Local assets provide the solid foundation for a successful Main Street initiative.
Quality: From storefront design to promotional campaigns to special events, quality must be the main goal.
Change: Changing community attitudes and habits is essential to bring about a commercial district renaissance. A carefully planned Main Street program will help shift public perceptions and practices to support and sustain the revitalization process.
Action-oriented: Frequent, visible changes in the look and activities of the commercial district will reinforce the perception of positive change. Small, but dramatic improvements early in the process will remind the community that the revitalization effort is under way.
Peabody Main Street Board of Directors
| Morgan Marler | President | ||
| Vice President | |||
| Dennis Riggs | Treasurer | ||
| Christie McBride | Secretary | ||
| Susan Marshall | Organization Chair | ||
| Beth Eldridge | Promotion Chair | ||
| Patricia Ketchum | Design Chair | ||
| Economic Restructuring/City Liasion |
If you are interested in becoming involved with one of the committees please contact:
Shane Marler, Director, Peabody Main Street Association.
300 N. Walnut
Peabody, KS 66866
Office: (620) 983-2174
Cell: (620) 381-3499
Fax: (620) 983-2786
Main Street Committees
ORGANIZATION
Susan Marshall, Chair
Embry Hodges
Morgan Marler
Shane Marler
Bob Marshall
Janet Post
More Info About the Organization Committee
PROMOTION
Beth Eldridge, Chair
“How Does YOUR Garden Grow?” Women’s Fair, SUB COMMITTEE
Shirley Biesel
Paula Harris
Sharon Pickens
Rose Till
PEABODY PRAIRIE CHRISTMAS, SUB COMMITTEE
Leslie LaFoy, Chair
Mary Avery
Beth Eldridge
Shane Marler
Sara Pohlman
Rose Till
More Info About the Promotion Committee
DESIGN
Patricia Ketchum, Chair
Marilyn Jones
More Info About the Design Committee
ECONOMIC RESTRUCTURING
Larry Larsen, Chair
Board Liaison
Shane Marler
Christie McBride
Curtis McBride
Bryan McDaniels
David Ragland
Dennis Riggs
More Info About the Economic Restructuring Committee
If you are interested in becoming involved with one of the committees please contact:
Shane Marler, Director, Peabody Main Street Association.
300 N. Walnut
Peabody, KS 66866
Office: (620) 983-2174
Cell: (620) 381-3499
Fax: (620) 983-2786
Saturday, APRIL 19th “How Does Your Garden Grow? ” Women’s Fair |
Saturday and Sunday, MAY 24th - 25th OPERATION: Celebration |
Football Season, Date TBA Community Tailgate Party |
Saturday, DECEMBER 6th Peabody Prairie Christmas Holiday Event |
The 2008 Events Calendar is available for download as a pdf file.
IWW REVOLVING LOANS
No-interest loans
Available to businesses in the downtown historical business district
Small projects: $500 - $1,000
Major projects: $1,000-$15,000, 3:1 Match
Up to $15,000 may be borrowed or owed at one time.
Contact Peabody Main Street for more information (620) 983-2174, pmsa@peabodyks.com
Neighborhood Revitalization
Tax rebate incentives for rehabilitation of buildings and construction of new buildings
Available for both commercial and residential properties
Applications available at the City Office or call (620) 983-2174 for more information
Peabody Business Park
Located on Highway 50
28.5 acres
For more information, contact the City Office at (620) 983-2174 or clerk@peabodyks.com
Microloans
MARION COUNTY MICROLOAN PROGRAM
Low interest loans available to start-up and existing businesses
Targeted for but not limited to woman-owned, and low-to-moderate income earners and minority businesses
Administered by SCKEDD, call (316) 262-7035 for more information
IWW REVOLVING LOANS
No-interest loans
Available to businesses in the Peabody business district
Up to $15,000, 3:1 Match
Contact Peabody Main Street for more information (620) 983-2174, pmsa@peabodyks.com
Other Kansas Main Street Communities
(Click on a Main Street Community for more information)



