There are thousands of buildings in America’s older downtowns with vacant upper floors. These spaces have a central location, high visibility, complete community infrastructure, and are prime candidates for redevelopment. Upstairs Downtown is an award-winning initiative created to help owners reclaim and reuse these vacant upper floors, and turn them into income-producing properties.

The Upstairs Downtown training program was developed by the IHPA for the Illinois Main Street program. It is designed for building owners, contractors, architects, city officials, preservationists, and downtown professionals.

For more information on this program please contact Anna Margaret Borntrager at annamargaret.borntrager@illinois.gov or by phone at 217. 782. 7534

Below is a video from the 2007 National Preservation Awards ceremony held in Minnesota. Scroll over the screen to enable the player buttons.