The Main Street Cultural District announced Tuesday that it is now recognized as a national cultural district.

Ames Main Street was also chosen for the Main Street Iowa, a downtown revitalization program that gives the city access to marketing and other resources only available to communities within the program. 

Tim Coble, main street cultural district board president, was pleased with the recognition.

“It’s a great honor to be recognized statewide for something we’ve known for years: that the Main Street Cultural District is a thriving cultural and retail destination, and a key component of what makes Ames such a dynamic community,” Coble said in press release.