Public Art in our Denton Community Demonstration Garden
Cornhole Tournament on Third Thursday's
Support Local by Shopping and Eating Local
About DDMS

Downtown Denton has been a designated Maryland Main Street since 1999.

Main Street Maryland is a comprehensive downtown revitalization program created in 1998 by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD).  The program strives to strengthen the economic potential of Maryland's traditional main streets and neighborhoods.  Using a competitive process, Main Street Maryland selects communities who have made a commitment to succeed and helps them imporve the economy, appearance and image of their traditional downtown business districts. 

To accomplish Main Street goals, DHCD has partnered with the National Trust for Historic Preservation's National Main Street Center which developed the Main Street Four-Point Approach to downtown revitalization  This approach focuses on promotion, organization, economic development and design.  Since 1980, the national program has been implemented in 41 states and more than 1,700 communities nationwide.
DDMS Guiding Principles

  • Comprehensive: Simultaneous, comprehensive strategy focusing on all aspects (Design, Promotion, Economic Restructuring and Organization).
  • Incremental: Start with basic, simple activities and build up to the more complex, ambitious projects.
  • Self-Help:  Mobilize local investment of time and money to benefit the community.
  • Partnerships: Both private and public sectors have a vital interest in the commercial district.
  • Assets:  Capitalize on unique assets to give people a sense of belonging and pride.
  • Quality:  A high-standard must be set for every aspect of the commercial district.
  • Change:  Bring about essential change in attitude and practice to improve downtown's use, purpose, and future.
  • Implementation:  Make a difference TODAY by creating visible change and activity NOW.
Downtown Denton Main Street has been a designated Main Street since 1999