The Silver City MainStreet Project received a $7,500 grant from Wells Fargo for the Silver Strand – Kelly Street.  The funding will be used to activate the dead-end of Kelly Street between Bullard Street and the Big Ditch Park.

The Silver Strand – Kelly Street project will activate this dead-end section of Kelly St. with wall murals on the Kelly Street sides of the Army Store and More and the Family Karate Center. On one area, a wall will be left white to be used as an outdoor movie screen. Wayfinding signs will also be put on the walls and traffic calming murals painted in the crosswalks.  The sidewalks will also be painted, directing foot traffic to the Big Ditch Park. The area can be used for events, and is ideal since it connects to the Big Ditch Park. 

Silver City MainStreet will use the area for free family events that offer games and other activities and encourage residents into the downtown and Big Ditch Park. 

“We are grateful for this funding, states Patrick Hoskins, Silver City MainStreet Board President.  This project has been on the Downtown Action Plan for years and we are excited to get it off the ground. We appreciate the Town’s support and the funding from Wells Fargo.” 

The Silver City MainStreet Project is one of the oldest and most successful MainStreet programs in the state.  The MainStreet program is a national program fostering economic development in local communities and operates under the NM MainStreet program and the state Economic Development Department.  

Silver City MainStreet has accomplished many projects since 1985 including the downtown street lights, downtown gateway arch, improvements to the Big Ditch Park, numerous beautification projects, and most recently, the restoration of the historic Silco Theater. In 2011, Silver City MainStreet won the Great American MainStreet Award given to only three programs each year.

The mission of Silver City MainStreet is "To encourage a vibrant, historic downtown Silver City which is recognized as the heart of our diverse community." Please visit our website, www.silvercitymainstreet.com to learn more.