a vibrant and active community
Our Mission
To preserve, promote and build on historic and natural treasures of our downtown waterfront community.
An award-winning Main Street community, Fort Pierce hosts numerous festivals like Friday Fest and the Sandy Shoes Festival that bring locals and visitors alike into the downtown area. A mural trail and trolley tours highlight the culture and unique atmosphere. It’s all part of a comprehensive revitalization program, began in 1988, to encourage economic development along with historic preservation to deliver the best of Fort Pierce.
Our Vision
Downtown Fort Pierce, the heart of St. Lucie County, will have an inviting atmosphere, highlighted by historic architecture, unique natural assets and will enhance the civic, cultural and economic viability of the entire community – retail, service, academic, government and industry.
What is Main Street Fort Pierce All About
Main Street Fort Pierce, Inc. is a comprehensive revitalization program designed to encourage economic development in conjunction with historic preservation. Established in 1988, Main Street Fort Pierce, Inc. (a not-for-profit corporation) is a local, public-private partnership funded by memberships, fund-raising projects and city government.
Main Street Fort Pierce, Inc. brings development, activities, recognition and an improved economy to the historic downtown area through a variety of methods. The organization coordinates downtown improvements, creates a positive image to attract customers and investors, rekindles community pride, enhances the visual quality of the downtown environment, and attracts strategic additions to the economic mix.
Main Street Fort Pierce’s track record includes the successful Friday Fest, Sandy Shoes Festival and Sights and Sounds on Second, along with other special events.
What We’ve Achieved
Platts/Backus House
Built in 1895 by Dr. Clyde Platts, first physician to practice in Fort Pierce
Local artist A.E. Backus purchased the home in 1960
Main Street purchased the house 2005
Restoration completed in 2007 and is now the offices of Main Street Fort Pierce
Received over $400,000 in grants
Historic City Hall
The original Fort Pierce City Hall was built in 1925 and used until 1983
In 1995 the building was renovated by Main Street Fort Pierce/St. Lucie Preservation
Historic City Hall is owned by the City of Fort Pierce and operated by Main Street Fort Pierce
The project was funded with grants through the Bureau of Historic Preservation and matching funds totaling over $480,000
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Sunrise Theatre
Built by Pop Koblegard as a vaudeville theatre in 1923 and converted to a movie house with sound in the 1940’s.
Main Street purchased the building and began renovation in 1997 then in 1999 purchased the entire property
Reopened in January 2006 with a stellar performance by Dionne Warwick
Main Street Fort Pierce donated the Theatre to the City who has now taken over the daily operations
The project received over $2.7 million in state grants, $8 million in government funds, and over $2 million in private donations
Manatee Observation and Education Center
Main Street managed the Florida Inland Navigation District for the City of Fort Pierce and raised $150,000 in private donations.
The Center is operated by the Fort Pierce Utilities Authority and sees over 75,000 visitors per year.
The value of this project was over $350,000.
Saint Lucie County Library
Main Street worked with St. Lucie County to achieve a library grant for the construction of a $2,500,000 library in downtown Fort Pierce
This is a result of the Master Plan implemented by Main Street
The library reopened in July 1999 with state-of-the art technology
Downtown Murals
Main Street organized the St. Lucie Mural Society to create murals in historic downtown Fort Pierce
“Night Train” Mural by
Artist Blue Sky
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Sponsored a charrette in 1995 for a “Master Plan” for Historic Downtown Fort Pierce
Obtained state Main Street grant for 15 matching facade projects amounting to over $10,000
Worked with the City of Fort Pierce to obtain a grant for the restoration of the North Second Street historic bridge known as “Tickle Tummy Hill” from Department of Transportation valued at $150,000