Advancing Equity in Historic Preservation: OUR COMMITMENT


The Buildings on Main Street Conference is an opportunity for Main Street districts and any community interested in revitalizing their aging downtown buildings to obtain tools, knowledge, and resources to help their communities flourish.
This conference is focused on providing tools and resources for Main Street staff, board members, and volunteers; Heritage Preservation Commissioners; city staff; building owners; and anyone interested in downtown revitalization. No matter how big or small your community is, the Buildings on Main Street Conference will have tools for you to learn more about preservation activity for your downtown or business district.
Registration is open here.
Cost:
Full Two Day Conference: $200
1 Day Ticket Thursday: $125
1 Day Ticket Friday: $100
Space is limited, so register soon. Minnesota Main Street Communities will receive discount codes for Main Street Boards of Directors, Committees, Volunteers, and stakeholders. Reach out to your local Main Street Director with questions about your discount code.
Click here to download a PDF of a preliminary schedule. Please note that this schedule is subject to slight changes.
What should I know about driving and parking?
Winona has a public transportation system (https://www.cityofwinona.com/175/Winona-Transit-Service) as well as Lyft Ride Service. We will share a parking map for conference attendees soon. Parking in 12 hour lots is encouraged, as two hour street parking is enforced in downtown.
Will there be food and drinks available?
Food and drinks for the following meals will be available:
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Wednesday (Main Street Local Directors Only Event): Lunch Provided
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Thursday: Light Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Appetizers Provided
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Friday: Light Breakfast, Lunch Provided
Where should I stay?
We have several room blocks booked at local hotels. Winona has additional hotels in town, and there are some AirBnB lodging options in the downtown area.
AmericInn
https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/americinn/winona-minnesota/americinn-hotel-and-suites-winona/rooms-rates?&checkInDate=04/26/2023&checkOutDate=04/28/2023&groupCode=042623WCH
(507) 474-7700
303 Pelzer St, Winona, MN 55987
How to reserve:
Call and mention you’re with the Buildings on Main Street Conference and ask for our room block.
Deadline to reserve: 4/5/23
Holiday Inn Express
https://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/winona/wnoes/hoteldetail
(507) 474-1700
1128 Homer Road, Winona, MN 55987
How to reserve:
Call and mention you’re with the Buildings on Main Street Conference and ask for our room block.
OR
Reserve online with the code “WCC”
Deadline to reserve: Tuesday, March 28.
Where are the conference locations:
The primary site for the Buildings on Main Street Conference will be the Winona County History Center, at 160 Johnson Street. Most sessions will be held at this location. Breakout sessions, special events, and tour sites will be shared closer to the conference.
Why is this conference focusing on buildings and not general
Main Street efforts?
At Rethos much of our work focuses on buildings. In Main Street districts, historic downtowns, and commercial corridors there is great need for education on revitalization activity. We’re lucky to have a number of other conferences and learning opportunities with partner organizations highlight business activity, entrepreneurship, and other downtown events for Main Street folks to attend. Because of this, we’re able to tailor this conference to a specific set of information.




Tentative Conference Schedule
Times and locations subject to change
Wednesday 4.26
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10:00 am–5:00 pm Main Street Training Session: Local MN Main Street Directors Only
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Evening Social Activity, location TBA: All conference attendees
Thursday 4.27
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8:30 am-2:30 pm Conference Keynote Sessions and Breakouts
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3:00-5:00 pm Downtown Rehab and Reuse Building Tour
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5:00-7:00 pm Evening Social and 2023 Main Street Awards
Friday 4.28
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9:00 am-11:45 Conference Keynote and Breakout Sessions
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12:30-3:00 Main Street Basics Training