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LEWISTOWN - Downtown Lewistown Inc. is sharpening its focus on the community's economic and cultural heart through its "Main Street Matters" initiative, a program designed to reinvigorate the borough's business district and foster lasting pride in Lewistown.
At the center of these efforts is Executive Director Jim Zubler, who describes the program as both a practical investment and a rallying point for local residents and business owners.
"Main Street isn't a stretch of pavement or a row of storefronts," Zubler said in a recent interview. "It's the face we show the world. It's what people remember when they think about Lewistown. Our goal with Main Street Matters is to make sure that impression is one of energy, care, and possibility."
The Main Street Matters program, launched by DLI with support from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), channels grant funding and technical assistance toward the restoration and improvement of Main Street buildings.
"Facade improvements are a big part of what we do," Zubler explained. "That means helping property owners upgrade signs, repair masonry, paint, and restore historic details that give Main Street its unique character."
Zubler said the program isn't just about aesthetics. "We're aiming for impact that's economic and social," he said. "When buildings look fresh and inviting, it draws people downtown. More people mean more business. But it also sparks a sense of local pride and sends a message: Lewistown is moving forward."
A core feature of Main Street Matters is its partnership model. DLI acts as a liaison between local property owners and state-level resources, helping businesses apply for grants and navigate the technical requirements of facade upgrades.
"Many small businesses don't have the bandwidth to chase grants or file paperwork," Zubler said. "We walk them through it. Sometimes that means working with architects or contractors; other times it's finding ways to stretch a limited budget for maximum effect. It's a very hands-on approach."
The scope of the program also extends beyond bricks and mortar. "We want to make downtown a place people want to visit and spend time in," Zubler said. "That means events, public art, and making sure the street feels safe and lively. We work with everyone--business owners, local officials, volunteers--because Main Street is for everyone, not a handful of people or businesses."
Zubler pointed out that the state's Main Street designation is more than a ceremonial label. "It gives us access to resources, and a proven playbook," he said. "DCED and Pennsylvania Downtown Center provide training, best practices, and funding streams that small towns wouldn't otherwise have. But it's up to us to make these tools work for Lewistown's unique needs."
In recent months, DLI has helped property owners complete several visible projects. Zubler said, "We've seen the transformation when even one storefront gets a facelift. It inspires the next owner down the block. You start seeing flowers in window boxes, fresh paint, better lighting. It's contagious."
Looking ahead, Zubler is optimistic but realistic about the work still to be done. "There's no single project or magic bullet," he said. "Main Street revitalization is a process. You chip away at it, block by block, project by project. The important thing is to keep the momentum going and to celebrate the wins along the way."
DLI also emphasizes communication with the community throughout the process. Zubler makes a point of encouraging feedback, both positive and negative. "We need to know what's working and what isn't. If people have ideas, questions, or concerns, I want to hear them. This isn't about DLI telling people what Main Street should look like. It's about building something together."
For business owners and residents interested in the program, Zubler says there are practical steps to get involved. "If you own a building on Main Street and want to make improvements, reach out to us. We'll help you figure out what's possible and where to start. If you're a resident, shop downtown, support the events, and tell us what you'd like to see."
The larger hope, Zubler says, is that the work on Main Street will serve as a catalyst for Lewistown's broader revival. "Communities succeed when people believe in them," he said. "When you invest in your downtown, you send a signal, not only to potential businesses or visitors, but to your own people, that Lewistown is worth caring about."
DLI will continue to update the public on Main Street Matters through its website and future press releases. Zubler said upcoming projects include a new round of facade improvement grants and the development of a downtown events calendar designed to draw even more people into the borough's center.
"We're always looking for partners," he added. "Main Street matters to every person who calls Lewistown home."
For more information about Main Street Matters or to get involved, residents can contact Downtown Lewistown Inc. at 717-248-9606 or visit their website at downtownlewistown.com.
Zubler's message remains consistent: "Main Street is everyone's business. And when it thrives, so do we all."