About Independence Main Street

Independence Main Street, Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to strengthening the heart of Independence through economic development, historic preservation, business support, community partnerships, and downtown revitalization.

Established in 1985, Independence Main Street has been working for more than 40 years to ensure that our historic downtown remains a vibrant place to shop, dine, work, live, invest, gather, and experience our community. We are an accredited Kansas Main Street and Main Street America program and are part of a nationwide network of communities committed to preservation-based economic development.

While our primary focus is Downtown Independence, the impact of a healthy downtown reaches far beyond its boundaries. A strong downtown supports jobs, entrepreneurship, tourism, community pride, local investment, and the overall economic vitality of Independence and the surrounding area.

What We Do

Independence Main Street works every day to support the people, businesses, buildings, and partnerships that make our downtown successful. Our work includes helping entrepreneurs launch new businesses, supporting the growth of existing businesses, connecting business and property owners with grants and financial resources, and providing zero-interest financing for eligible improvement and development projects.

We promote local businesses and encourage residents and visitors to shop, dine, and spend locally through marketing, events, business promotions, and our Main Street Gift Certificate Program. Since the gift certificate program began in 1992, more than $1.3 million has been invested back into local businesses through gift certificate purchases.

We also work extensively in historic preservation and property redevelopment. Main Street helps property owners navigate historic tax credits, grants, design considerations, financing, and other resources that can make the rehabilitation of our historic downtown buildings possible.

Throughout the year, we organize and support events and activities that bring people downtown, create foot traffic for our businesses, strengthen community connections, and showcase Independence as a destination.

Most importantly, we serve as a connector and advocate—bringing together business owners, property owners, entrepreneurs, volunteers, community organizations, local government, economic development partners, and state and national resources to move Independence forward.

The Main Street Approach

Our work is guided by the Main Street Approach™, a nationally proven, community-driven framework for downtown and commercial district revitalization developed by Main Street America.

The approach is built around four interconnected areas:

Economic Vitality – Strengthening existing businesses, encouraging entrepreneurship, supporting property development, attracting investment, and creating opportunities for sustainable economic growth.

Design – Preserving our historic character while improving buildings, storefronts, streetscapes, public spaces, signage, and the overall appearance and functionality of downtown.

Promotion – Positioning Downtown Independence as the heart of our community through marketing, events, storytelling, local shopping initiatives, and activities that give people reasons to visit and return.

Organization – Building strong partnerships, engaging volunteers, developing community leadership, and creating the resources necessary to sustain downtown revitalization for generations to come.

Building on Our History. Investing in Our Future.

Successful downtown revitalization doesn't happen through one project, one business, or one organization. It happens when a community works together.

Through the combined efforts of our businesses, property owners, investors, volunteers, the City of Independence, Independence Chamber of Commerce, Montgomery County Action Council (MCAC), Kansas Main Street, Main Street America, and many other community partners, Independence Main Street continues to preserve what makes our community special while creating new opportunities for its future.

Our goal is simple: a thriving Downtown Independence that remains the heart of a strong and vibrant community.