In this episode of The Current by TreasureCoast.com, we spoke with Candace Callahan, the Executive Director of Stuart Main Street, a nonprofit with a mission of supporting and protecting Downtown Stuart. While many locals associate the organization with events like Rock’n Riverwalk or the Sunday market, there’s far more happening behind the scenes.
Founded in 1987, Stuart Main Street is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that operates under the Main Street America umbrella. Its mission is broad but clear: to create and maintain a vibrant historic downtown experience for all. That includes residents, business owners, tourists, and seasonal residents.
At the core of the organization’s work is a four-point approach: Design, Organization, Economic Vitality, and Promotion. These pillars guide efforts from small beautification projects to major redevelopment ideas.
One standout example discussed in the podcast was the Colorado Avenue Road Diet. Years ago, Colorado Avenue was little more than a pass-through route to get downtown. Stuart Main Street worked alongside the city to reimagine the corridor. By narrowing traffic lanes, improving walkability, adding landscaping and parking, and encouraging development, they expanded what residents now consider downtown into the Creek District.
View this post on Instagram
Events remain a key piece of the mission, but they don’t serve as fundraisers. Instead, they’re tools that draw people downtown, spark economic activity, and generate valuable data for the organization. Stuart Main Street surveys attendees regularly to gauge who’s visiting, where they’re coming from, whether or not they’re staying overnight, and how much they plan to spend. The average visitor spends over $200 in Downtown Stuart, evidence that the area continues to attract people from well beyond the Treasure Coast.
The conversation also shifted toward a growing challenge: public perception in the age of social media. Headlines, especially those related to development or planning, often spark backlash before the full story is known. Candace pointed out that many proposals are visions, not decisions. The orgnization’s role is often to surface ideas, encourage consensus, and create organized forums for public feedback.
Historic preservation plays a major role in the organization’s work as well. Even buildings without formal recognition can qualify as historic if they’re over 50 years old. Stuart Main Street works directly with property owners to educate them, understand their goals, and advocate for the character of Downtown Stuart. Many owners, Candace noted, genuinely appreciate the charm of the area and want to maintain it.
To that end, Stuart Main Street recently helped update the city’s historic property survey, last completed in 1991, and is now pursuing federal historic district designation. This could open the door to grant funding, technical support, and other resources for downtown property owners. For example, owners could get help with ADA compliance, fire suppression systems, and historic facade restoration.
The discussion also touched on larger redevelopment debates, including the possible relocation of City Hall. Stuart Main Street participated in surveys and studies to evaluate the highest and best use of that valuable downtown land, not to make a decision, but to ensure informed dialogue.
A recent legislative attempt to defund Community Redevelopment Agencies (CRAs) raised concerns. These agencies are crucial to local improvements and align closely with Stuart Main Street’s work. While the bill didn’t pass, the conversation served as a reminder that the long-term survival of community-driven organizations isn’t guaranteed.
After five years of planning, the Seminole Avenue streetscape is finally breaking ground as well. Power lines will be buried, pedestrian access will be improved, and the once-forgotten alleyway will become a welcoming downtown corridor.
What keeps it all going? Volunteers. As the Director put it, Stuart Main Street is an “army of one and a half,” and every project depends on dedicated community members. From organizing events to leading design committees, locals who care about Downtown Stuart play a vital role in shaping its future.
For those interested in getting involved, whether as volunteers, committee members, or sponsors, Stuart Main Street is always open to conversations. Visit stuartmainstreet.org or follow them on Facebook and Instagram to learn more.
