DAVID MURRAY ARCHITECT

VILNA MAIN STREET PROJECT Vilna, Alberta

The Vilna Main Street Project, which began in 1999, was completed in 2004. It is a project under the Alberta Main Street Program, a program funded by the Alberta Historical Resources Foundation and associated with Alberta Tourism, Parks, Recreation and Culture.

The purpose of the Program is to assist with the revitalization of the historic business districts in Alberta communities by offering assistance with business development, organization of community resources, marketing and the restoration and enhancement of historic main street buildings. The images depict before and after conditions of Vilna’s main street buildings.

Vilna’s buildings date primarily from the 1920s and later. They are mainly in the “Boomtown Style”, meaning that they are primarily from wood construction with tall building fronts to enlarge their visual presence, offering a prominent location for signs. Vilna has one the best collection of historic Boomtown storefronts in the province. In addition, this Village of 300 people has a remarkable community spirit that makes it an ideal community to take advantage of the Main Street Program initiatives.