Text Box: A stroll down Washington’s Main Street in the evening illuminated by the light of the newly completed first stage streetlight project indicates a changing Main Street and downtown area. In addition to the new lights storefronts are being renovated, awnings are being added, and windows are being replaced. When you need a break along the way, take a seat on the new benches at your disposal. All of these changes and additions are part of the efforts of the Daviess County Chamber of Commerce, Daviess County Economic Development Corporation and the City of Washington to revitalize Main Street and the downtown area.  The revitalization of Main Street originated with the Chamber of Commerce’s Main Street Light Project which began in 2008. The project’s first stage is now completed thanks to the hard work of Archie’s Welding for welding, I2E (Advanced Manufacturing) for assembly, Basiloid for painting, and the City of Washington for installation of the lights. The lights enhance the Street from Hwy 57 to Meridian Street and are being funded by grants and donations. Revitalization of Main Street also includes remodeling of many storefronts and is now under way. The project is part of a Real Estate Capital Access Project which allows the Chamber of Commerce with matching funds to help businesses remodel their storefronts with new awnings and new windows. The benches and trash receptacles placed along Main Street were purchased by the Chamber of Commerce and were manufactured locally. Finally, the Chamber of Commerce has begun a green space project to convert the lot that was formerly the Meredith House to a green area containing concrete benches, a gazebo, and a fountain. The Chamber is financing this by recycling cell phones, car batteries, scrap metal, the collection of aluminum cans and several other fundraisers.   Each of these projects have come together to transform the Main Street area. It is a work in progress and with the help from local businesses and the community, Washington will have a beautiful downtown area the entire community can enjoy.  Text Box: Completed Downtown Street Light Project