Independent We Stand is pleased to recognize Hudson, MA as the $25,000 winner of the 2021 "America's Main Streets" contest. More than 1 million total votes were cast by the public nationwide in the sixth annual contest. The Hudson Downtown Business Improvement District rallied its vast network of 85 property owners, partners at the Hudson Business Association and the Assabet Valley Chamber of Commerce, and their community to vote in support of its entry. The organization plans to utilize the prize money to enhance culture and the arts.
With humble beginnings as a small farming community that once served as a stop on the Underground Railroad, Hudson grew to become a quiet industrial town that has since been actively revitalizing its historic downtown. Following a fire in 1894, 40 buildings were destroyed and rebuilt using predominately brick structures that reflect architectural trends of the late nineteenth century that remain today. Over the next century, Downtown Hudson experienced many transitions, but since the mid-2010s, the town has enjoyed an economic boom, thanks largely to the establishment of a formal Business Improvement District. As a result, Hudson is now a foodie and hot spot destination — home to many restaurants, a micro creamery, a speakeasy, a brewery, and unique retail shops.
"We have worked for several years to revitalize Downtown Hudson, so winning this contest is a wonderful opportunity to continue these efforts," said Richard A. Braga, Jr., Hudson Downtown Business Improvement District administrator. "Our intent from the beginning was to expand our cultural and art footprint downtown and we plan to use our cash prize to attract more general retail, with a creative focus."
Planned initiatives earmarked for the cash prize include:
Congratulations Downtown Hudson! And thanks to all the main street, downtown and similar organizations that participated. You are big part of what makes this country a great place to live!
