Congrats, Farmington DDA!

Join us in congratulating Main Street Farmington’s Downtown Development Authority on being named a 2026 Great American Main Street Award winner.

Announced by Main Street America at its conference in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on April 13, this prestigious honor recognizes excellence in preservation-based revitalization and people-centered placemaking – in other words, exactly the elements that make downtown Farmington so special.

“We’re incredibly honored to receive the Great American Main Street Award and to have more than two decades of Main Street work recognized on a national stage,” said Jessica Westendorf, executive director of Main Street Farmington DDA who was in Tulsa to accept the award.

“By investing in thoughtful public spaces, supporting small businesses, and celebrating our historic character, we’ve shown how place-based development can create a vibrant and resilient downtown.

“It’s exciting to celebrate how far we’ve come and the momentum that will carry Downtown Farmington into its  next chapter.” 

Westendorf was accompanied by a group of Farmington movers and shakers, including Mayor Joe LaRussa, many City Council members and Farmington Farmers Market manager Walt Gajewski.

City Council established the Farmington DDA in 1986 to prevent deterioration of downtown businesses, encourage historical preservation, authorize the creation and implementation of development plans and promote economic growth.

Since then, the city’s vacancy rates have fallen from nearly 15 percent to less than 5, reflecting sustained reinvestment and strategic business development. 

A defining milestone was the conversion of a downtown parking lot into Riley Park, now a civic green that draws more than three million visitors annually and is home to the award-winning Farmington Farmers Market.

Also key to the city’s success was restoring downtown buildings instead of tearing them down. They includied the 1921 Farmington State Savings Bank building, the 1939 Farmington Civic Theater and the 1876 Masonic Hall at Masons Corner.