At the heart of Wilson County, Lebanon’s historic downtown stands as both a memory and a promise. Its brick-lined sidewalks, historic facades, and lively storefronts reflect the city’s past while pointing toward a vibrant future. It’s a place where neighbors meet, visitors linger, and the character of Lebanon shines brightest. Supporting this vision is Historic Lebanon Main Street, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to preserving the community’s heritage while helping downtown flourish as a destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Preserving Character, Building Connections
Historic Lebanon Main Street operates under a clear mission: to preserve, enrich, and promote our historic downtown as the vibrant heart of our community. Since earning accreditation through Tennessee Main Street and the National Main Street programs in 2013, the organization has followed a nationally recognized four-point approach—Organization, Design, Promotion, and Economic Vitality. This framework ensures downtown Lebanon is cared for in ways that honor its history while preparing it for the future.
Historic Lebanon Main Street’s role is as much about connection as preservation. The nonprofit collaborates closely with the City of Lebanon, the Chamber of Commerce, the Convention & Visitors Bureau, and The Downtown Lebanon Group, serving as a bridge between building owners, merchants, civic leaders, and residents. By bringing people and resources together, Historic Lebanon helps position downtown as a destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment—a place where history and progress meet.
A Community Built on Vitality
While preservation is a cornerstone, the mission extends well beyond saving historic buildings. “Preservation isn’t just about the past—it’s about protecting Lebanon’s character while creating opportunities for growth,” says Main Street Director Robyn Willis. That means supporting entrepreneurs, reimagining storefronts, and creating a walkable district full of life.
This vision has produced visible results. Partnerships with the City of Lebanon and grants from the State of Tennessee have revitalized downtown, while property owners continue to reinvest in their storefronts. The 2025 Downtown Business Façade Mini-Grant Program provides funds to enhance downtown’s appearance, supporting the Historic Lebanon Main Street nonprofit ensures local entrepreneurs have the tools they need to thrive. Seasonal touches—such as blooming planters with are a collaboration with the City of Lebanon and the Lebanon High FFA —help create a welcoming atmosphere that leaves a lasting impression.
Celebrating Successes
Some of the most noticeable progress can be seen in building façades. The new Downtown Business Façade Mini-Grant Program helps property owners refresh their storefronts, preserving downtown’s charm while drawing in customers and visitors. New wayfinding kiosks are coming soon and the maps will guide guests throughout downtown, making it easy to explore everything the area has to offer.
Historic Lebanon is proud to support the Downtown Lebanon Group in hosting Rock the Block, a summer concert series that brings people together to enjoy live music, connect with neighbors, and experience the best of downtown. Events like these—along with fundraisers such as the Founders Gala, Cocktails & Costumes Halloween Soirée, and our signature Farm to Table Dinner—showcase how collaboration among organizations, businesses, and volunteers creates meaningful opportunities for the community to gather while fueling downtown’s ongoing revitalization.
Thankful for Community Support
As the year turns, Historic Lebanon Main Street reflects on the gratitude that fuels its mission. “We’re thankful for our residents, businesses, and partners who believe in downtown’s potential,” Willis says. Whether shopping locally, volunteering time, attending a concert, or supporting the nonprofit, every act of support helps write the next chapter of Lebanon’s story.
Building Toward the Future
Looking forward, Historic Lebanon envisions a bustling, walkable downtown filled with preserved history, thriving storefronts, inviting public spaces, and opportunities for connection. “We want to be recognized as a model Main Street community,” Willis says. “That means thriving businesses, preserved history, and spaces where people want to gather.”
That vision depends on partnership. Current board members, committee volunteers, and community supporters continue to lay the groundwork, while the organization also honors the legacy of leaders who helped shape the program’s foundation.
A Shared Treasure
For Willis, one of the most important reminders is that downtown belongs to everyone. “Every shop you visit, every restaurant you enjoy, every event you attend—it all contributes to the ongoing story of Lebanon,” she says.
It is a story of gratitude, pride, and partnership—one that continues to grow, brick by brick, storefront by storefront, neighbor by neighbor. And thanks in part to Historic Lebanon Main Street, that story has only just begun.
Learn more at historiclebanon.com
Preservation isn’t just about the past—it protects Lebanon’s character while creating space for growth.