Butler Downtown Revitalization Committee

The Butler Downtown Revitalization Committee operates under the name Butler Downtown (BDT), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the revitalization and restoration of Butler City's Main Street corridor. It is affiliated with the City of Butler and the National Main Street Center.

Overview

Butler Downtown is a grassroots initiative that involves local citizens, businesses, education, government, and community organizations. The organization aims to restore and revitalize the central business district of Butler, preserving its historic heritage while promoting economic development and enhancing the quality of life for residents.

History and Activities

In 2006, Butler Downtown applied for Main Street designation and was officially recognized as a Main Street Community in 2007. Following the National Trust for Historic Preservation's four-point approach to downtown revitalization, the organization focuses on organization, design, promotion, and economic restructuring.

Key initiatives include:

• Facade Improvement Program: Developing guidelines and implementing physical improvements to downtown buildings.
• Community Engagement: Encouraging volunteerism and community participation in revitalization efforts.
• Streetscape Development: Implementing a City Streetscape plan for the Main Street corridor to enhance aesthetics and functionality.
• Economic Development: Supporting existing businesses and attracting new enterprises to the area.

Goals and Impact

The primary goals of Butler Downtown include:

• Preserving and Promoting Local Heritage: Highlighting Butler's history, especially its significance in automotive innovation, the birthplace of the jeep.
• Attracting Economic Growth: Encouraging business development and job creation in the downtown area.
• Improving Aesthetic Appeal: Enhancing the visual appeal of downtown Butler to make it a more welcoming and vibrant center.

The organization works closely with local government and community groups to ensure a comprehensive approach to revitalization, aiming to make Butler a desirable destination both for residents and visitors.

[1] https://butlertwp.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Chapter_6__Downtown_Butler.pdf [2] https://cityofbutler.org/initiatives/butler-downtown/ [3] https://butlerdowntown.org/about-us/ [4] https://butlerdowntown.org [5] https://cityofbutler.org/initiatives/downtown-streetscape-plan/