Christine Jaynes, a local, is proud that her kids can gather with friends and have fun in downtown Coeur d'Alene.

“There is something for everybody. I am so happy my kids get to grow up here, it is their stomping ground,” she said.

Coeur d’Alene's downtown is gaining national attention and was recently designated as an Accredited Main Street. 

Main Street America, the nation’s leading program for downtown revitalization, awarded Coeur d’Alene the second accreditation in Idaho. The other being Downtown Driggs in Southeastern Idaho. 

“Downtowns are really representative of the health of the city as a whole wherever you go,” said Emily Boyd, executive director of the Coeur d’Alene Downtown Association.  

Downtown business owners agreed.

“Downtown is the area people come to meet. There are people who care about other people, businesses that care about other businesses, it’s nice to be a part of a community that cares,” said Brandon Freeman, assistant manager for Evans Brothers Coffee.  

The city will join a national network of 838 accredited communities that work to strengthen downtown districts across the country. 

“Receiving recognition as an accredited Main Street reflects our community’s ongoing commitment to preserving the character of Downtown, supporting local businesses and fostering a clean and safe work environment,” Boyd said.

To earn the designation, a city must undergo an evaluation of structure and demonstrate a successful track record of following the Main Street Four Point Approach and Main Street revitalization efforts. 

The Main Street four-point approach is a focus on economic vitality, design, promotion and organization. 

“These programs are not only preserving the unique character of their downtowns, but actively building vibrant, resilient places where businesses can thrive and people want to gather,” said Jenny Hemly, Idaho Main Street coordinator. 

Downtown has and will continue to undergo modernization efforts, but something that is important to many is the small-town feel that many have come to love.    

Marty Wheeler said the small-town feel has been preserved well and enjoys sharing the experience of it with his children.

“The lake, the parks, the small-town vibes, downtown still has a quaint vibe and it is very well kept,” he said, “Sometimes I will drive with my kids through downtown just for the fun of it.”

Shelly Boyd, owner of Woops!, a confectionery store and coffee shop downtown, said the public events that downtown hosts bring the community together.

“All of the sudden a growing, big town becomes so much smaller. You see friends, neighbors and family. It becomes an intimate place,” she said.

Gabe Greene of Emerge, a gallery, said downtown is a hub for local art.   

“It is pretty cool to be down here, being close to all of the art walks,” he said, “You can park and walk and find a whole community of art.”

    Art decorates downtown Coeur d'Alene on Wednesday.
  

    John Eloe of The Coeur d'Alene Resort hangs flower basket on Sherman Avenue on Thursday.