A walk through downtown Corsicana is a walk through history. The classic features of its original brick streets blend in with new attractions of neighborhood restaurants, entertainment, antique shopping and loft apartment living, creating a community feel all its own. With room to expand, new businesses can take advantage of the vibrant downtown activity and current development incentives.
Designated an official Texas Main Street City in 1985, the Corsicana Main Street Program works to assist in the revitalization of the downtown area through the use of historic preservation and economic development strategies.
Our downtown rocks and we are excited for you to be a part of it. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer and spokesperson for the Corsicana Main Street, you can start your journey here. Corsicana Main Street envisions a prosperous vital destination that makes everyone feel welcome and fosters community pride.
Are you ready to take the next step in running a small business by opening up a brick & mortar store in our charming downtown? We understand that you probably have a lot of questions and we are here to help. Whether you are looking for a space to lease, getting a business sign approved or want to connect with other business owners, this is where to start.
The Texas Main Street Program provides limited design assistance within the designated Main Street District to eligible Main Street Cities. Texas Main Street staff members determine assistance based upon a consultation with building or business owners and the Main Street Director.
The Texas Main Street Program provides limited design assistance within the designated Main Street District to eligible Main Street Cities. Texas Main Street staff members determine assistance based upon a consultation with building or business owners and the Main Street Director.
Texas Main Street Design Assistance
Guardian Industries offers plate and tempered glass for historic storefronts in the Downtown District at employee pricing. Contact the Main Street Director to see if you qualify. 903-654-4851
Glass Replacement
Owen Hardware offers paint at a 30% discount for approved projects in the Downtown District. Color selections must fall within the approved pallet and must be further approved by the Main Street director and/or Landmark Commission.
Discounted Paint
Corsicana is known for its artistic community and encourages three-dimensional, unique, artistic expressions.
Signage
Property owners in the Downtown Revitalization District may apply for a dollar-for-dollar City and County property tax refund equal to the amount of investment for construction, reconstruction, alteration or repair completed within a calendar year, plus a five year tax freeze on any increase in City and County ad valorem taxes resulting from such work.
Property owners in the Downtown Revitalization District may apply for a dollar-for-dollar City and County property tax refund equal to the amount of investment for construction, reconstruction, alteration or repair completed within a calendar year, plus a five year tax freeze on any increase in City and County ad valorem taxes resulting from such work.
PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENT & REINVESTMENT TAX CREDIT
Low cost materials are available through Owen Hardware and Guardian Glass, and free architectural design services are offered by the Texas Historical Commission.
Design Resources
Administered by the National Park Service in conjunction with State Historic Preservation Offices, the Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives program offers a 20 percent federal tax credit for qualified rehabilitation expenses. Thousands of property owners across the country have already utilized these tax incentives to rehabilitate historic commercial buildings and similar properties. It should be noted that these tax credits can be sold to provide equity capital to a project.
Federal Preservation Tax Credits
Before making changes to any building or property in the Downtown Overlay District, you will need to contact the Main Street Director in the Corsicana Visitor Center. A pre-application meeting will help determine what is needed to complete your project. Approval of your project by the Landmark Commission is required to receive your Certificate of Appropriateness (COA). We recommend you allow up to 30 days from the time of your pre-application meeting for the review process and Landmark approval.
Before making changes to any building or property in the Downtown Overlay District, you will need to contact the Main Street director in the Corsicana Visitor Center. A pre-application meeting will help determine what is needed to complete your project. Approval of your project by the Landmark Commission is required to receive your Certificate of Appropriateness (COA). We recommend you allow up to 30 days from the time of your pre-application meeting for the review process and Landmark approval.
Quick Guide FAQ's
New business signage
Changes to the exterior of the building
Landscape changes
Infill & new construction
Exterior painting
Things that may need Landmark approval:
As soon as you know that you are moving into a new building or that ownership is changing, visit the Permits and Inspections Office. The application review process takes up to 10 business days from when the certificate is applied for. During this time, staff from the Fire and Building Inspections Office, as well as the Main Street Director, will review the business for compliance.
How do I get a Certificate of Occupancy?
Every second Saturday, craft vendors join us for our Main Street Market. There you can find handmade soaps, herbs, spices/seasonings, seasonal gifts, an array of clothing and more handcrafted items. You can visit the Main Street Market at the parking lot located behind Brick Streets Brewery (224 E 5th Ave) from 10 AM-3 PM.
Want to be a part of Main Street Market? Please fill out an application below and our Main Street Market Coordinator will get in touch with you.
As a Main Street America™ Accredited program, Corsicana Main Street is a recognized leading program among the national network of more than 1,200 neighborhoods and communities who share both a commitment to creating high-quality places and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development. All Main Street America™ Accredited programs meet a set of National Accreditation Standards of Performance as outlined by the National Main Street Center.
