Oklahoma Main Street Center

06/03/2026

During trainings we always encourage “district exploration” of our great host communities. Ardmore Main Street Authority provided a fun way to get to know their district. And it comes complete with a prize if you bingo!

06/03/2026

06/02/2026

Looking forward to the next three days in Ardmore for our Executive Director/Volunteer Professional Development.

06/01/2026

As National Historic Preservation Month comes to a close, here’s one of the most important preservation reminders of all: the best way to save a historic building is to keep water out.

Main Street Architect, Josh Kunkel, explains that the number one cause of deterioration in historic buildings is water—and many times, the biggest culprit is a failing or neglected roof. Even small leaks can lead to major structural issues, damaged plaster, rotted wood, mold, masonry deterioration, and costly repairs down the road.

Historic preservation doesn’t always start with a major restoration project. Often, it starts with basic stewardship and preventative care that protects these irreplaceable places for future generations. Sometimes the most important preservation project is simply keeping the roof in good shape.

05/28/2026

** COOL JOB ALERT **

Kendall Whittier Main Street is looking to hire an Executive Director with dynamic talents to lead the organization. We're a non-profit who works to promote business in the Kendall Whittier area. Please visit our job posting on Indeed for the full job description and details.

05/27/2026

**Cool Job Alert**

05/26/2026

Not all rehabilitation work is preservation. In fact, poorly planned or improperly executed rehab can do more harm than good to a historic building.

During National Historic Preservation Month, Main Street architect, Josh Kunkel, talks about the most common mistakes he sees when people start a rehabilitation project. It’s important to remember that historic preservation is about protecting a building’s character, materials, and story—not just updating it to look “old” or trendy.

Good preservation work balances functionality with respect for historic character.

The goal of historic preservation is to steward that building responsibly for the next generation.

05/25/2026

The Oklahoma Main Street Center is closed today in observance of Memorial Day.

We pause to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. Their courage and dedication gave us the freedoms and opportunities we enjoy today.

We remember. We honor. We are grateful.

05/20/2026

Congrats to all of the recipients in Oklahoma and especially to those in our Main Street communities!

✅Cherokee Strip Company LLC | Ponca City, Oklahoma*** (Ponca City Main Street)
✅Hi-Way Cafe | Vinita, Oklahoma**(Vinita Main Street)
✅Newkirk Mercantile | Newkirk, Oklahoma*** (Newkirk Main Street Inc.)
✅The Harvest Hall | Ponca City, Oklahoma*** (Ponca City Main Street)

🎉 Big news! 🎉

In partnership with American Express®, we are thrilled to announce more than 500 recipients of the Amex Shop Small® Grants Program, awarding over $10 million in funding to small businesses across the country. Each recipient has received a $20,000 grant to help them grow, innovate, and support their local communities.

Meet the grant recipients here: https://mainstreet.org/the-latest/news/more-than-500-small-business-owners-awarded-20-000-amex-shop-small-grants

05/19/2026

If interested in applying for the Great American Main Street Award. 👇

Applications are now open for the 2027 Great American Main Street Awards! Tell us how your Main Street program has catalyzed people-led positive change in your downtown, and you could be recognized with our movement's highest honor.

👀 Preview the application
💻 Tune in for the insider's guide webinar on June 1
📝 Submit your application by Friday, July 10

Learn more & get started: mainstreet.org/gamsa