The Main Street Department operates Paducah Renaissance Alliance (PRA), a national Main Street program.  PRA serves to develop and enrich Paducah's Renaissance Area which is made up of the LowerTown Arts District, the historic downtown, and the riverfront development project.  PRA partners with business owners, property owners, and citizens through historic preservation and effective marketing, maximizes the potential of the unique Renaissance district by focusing on business recruitment and retention, and believes that promotion of the Renaissance district will make Paducah a thriving, vibrant, and attractive destination, benefiting the entire community.  PRA utilizes a four-point approach to developing and retaining the historic integrity and significance of the Renaissance Area including economic restructuring, promotion, design, and organization. 

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Main Street / Paducah Renaissance Alliance  

605 Broadway

Paducah, KY  42001

(270) 444-8649

Lisa Thompson	Executive Director
Melisa Mast	Events Promotion Manager
Vacant	Arts and Culture Communications Manager
Susan Gibson	Office Manager

PRA Board Members

Reports, Awards  

Paducah Receives Kentucky Cultural District Certification

In a presentation in Frankfort on February 9, 2012, Paducah received the Kentucky Cultural District Certification award presented by First Lady Jane Beshear and Madeline Abramson, wife of Lt. Governor Jerry Abramson on behalf of the Kentucky Arts Council.  The certification of Paducah and four other communities in Kentucky were selected by an independent panel of reviewers from a pool of 26 applicants.  The Cultural District Certification program, administered by the Kentucky Arts Council, is designed to encourage community engagement and partnerships that facilitate the stimulation and promotion of local cultural, economic, community, tourism and social assets.  Paducah Renaissance Alliance spear-headed the application process.  PRA News Release >>     KY Arts Council News Release >> 

Great American Main Street Award    

A public reception was held May 7, 2010 at the downtown Paducah gazebo to honor ten prominent community leaders who made it possible for the Paducah Renaissance Alliance to be awarded a 2010 Great American Main Street Award (GAMSA).  The National Trust for Historic Preservation presented the national award to Paducah on May 4 at the National Main Streets Conference.  The award was based on the accomplishments made in revitalizing the historic downtown and the LowerTown Arts District since Paducah's Main Street program was established in 1989.

--Downtown-LowerTown 5-minute Video--

--News Release--

Mayor's Institute on City Design

--2010 Mayors' Institute on City Design Report--    

--News Release--     

--Paducah Case Study--

Bill McLeod Report:  Observations and Recommendations

In July 2009, PRA brought consultant Bill McLeod to Paducah to provide observations and recommendations of PRA since it is a relatively new alliance.  McLeod spent three days in Paducah interviewing 84 people.  Click Bill McLeod Report to read his biography and what he suggests to make PRA a stronger agency.

The Kent Burnes Report: Capitalizing on Downtown Paducah's Success:

In December 2005, Paducah Main Street brought Kent Burnes of Downtown Management Services to Paducah.  Burnes made observations and recommendations on ways Paducah can increase success downtown and make smart decisions about retail throughout the City.  To download a copy of the report (240.81 KB), click here.