|
Twenty years ago, approximately 70% of Downtown Excelsior Springs storefronts were vacant. Today, the organization that helped bring people and investment back to those streets is receiving national recognition.
Main Street America has named Downtown Excelsior Partnership, Inc. (DEP) one of eight semifinalists for the 2027 Great American Main Street Award. The announcement comes as DEP celebrates its 20th anniversary and the people who helped transform historic Downtown Excelsior Springs.
“We are beyond honored. When we say this recognition belongs to our community, we mean it,” said Lyndsey Baxter, DEP Executive Director. “Think about everyone who took a chance on downtown when its future wasn’t certain...the business owners, property owners, volunteers, City leaders, and residents who kept showing up. Twenty years later, their work is being recognized across the country and that’s pretty incredible.”
DEP was established in 2006 at a time when vacant storefronts and deteriorating buildings had caused many people to question downtown’s future. Its comeback did not happen through one project or one investment. Buildings were restored, businesses opened, events brought people back, and each success gave someone else a reason to believe in the district.
More than $90 million has been invested downtown through public and private partnerships. Since 2012, the district has seen 141 building rehabilitations and 45 net new businesses. Taxable sales have increased 142% since 2014. Community members have contributed more than 61,000 volunteer hours since 2012, and downtown welcomed nearly 388,000 visits in 2025 alone.
Today, the district is home to locally owned shops, restaurants, entertainment, and gathering places alongside landmarks such as The Elms Hotel & Spa and the Hall of Waters. Approximately 1,370 residents live downtown. Events bring neighbors and visitors together throughout the year, while continued investment gives historic buildings new life.
A national jury of professionals in community development, economic development, and historic preservation reviewed applicants and unanimously selected eight semifinalists for their use of the Main Street Approach™ to lead downtown transformation.
“The 2027 Great American Main Street Award Semifinalists are proud examples of the deep and lasting impact that Main Street programs can have on communities,” said Main Street America President and CEO Erin Barnes. “From reimagining after decline to rebuilding after natural disasters, these communities demonstrate the power of resilience, vision, and meaningful community engagement.”
The 2027 semifinalists are Center City of Amarillo, Inc. in Texas; Astoria Downtown Historic District Association in Oregon; Downtown Excelsior Partnership, Inc. in Missouri; Connect Downtown Johnson City in Tennessee; Village of Lake Orion DDA in Michigan; Montpelier Alive in Vermont; Mainstreet Oceanside in California; and Sapulpa Main Street in Oklahoma.
“Excelsior Springs has always been a place people came to feel better,” Baxter said. “Our history is a big part of what makes downtown special, but so are the people creating a downtown where others feel welcome and connected today. This recognition is also about the people who gave it new life. I’m proud of what we’ve built together and how far we've come, and I can't wait to see what this community does next. I’m excited for people across the country to see our story.”
Three semifinalists will be named Great American Main Street Award recipients at the opening plenary of the 2027 Main Street Now Conference in Detroit, Michigan, on May 3, 2027.
DEP’s 20-year anniversary video and more about the people behind downtown’s transformation can be found at the following link.
| 
