This browser does not support the Video element.
GRANGER, Texas - Downtown Granger could be a poster child for the spirit of Texas, just ask Jamie Church, owner of Cotton Country Club. "You walk down the streets and get that small town feel. Everyone here is just true genuine people," she said.
Lately, the small city's downtown area has been the focus of revitalization efforts...that's where the Texas Historical Commission's Main Street Program stepped in.
The program chooses select cities, and helps them restore and revitalize their downtown district, also preserve old buildings. "It's a national program, but Texas is number one in the number of communities. It's all about economic development, helping these communities regain momentum, economic momentum in their downtown," said John Nau, chairman of the Texas Historical Commission.
The Main Street Program has been around for more than 35 years.
Each year, the serving first lady of Texas will tour chosen cities.
Cecilia Abbott attended Tuesday's celebration in Granger.
"Today you are helping bring new life to this treasured community. City leaders have worked hard to use available resources to preserve the historic buildings and features of Granger," said Abbott.
Granger, Mesquite and the Emancipation Avenue/Third Ward district of Houston were chosen for this year's program designations after an extensive review process. Texas Main Street communities already generated more than $3.9 billion in economic reinvestment for its chosen cities.