Rethos

Rethos F/k/a Preservation Alliance of Minnesota promotes the use of the main street approach as a tool for downtown revitalization, building reuse, new business development, entrepreneurial support, and community vibrancy. Currently there are 12 designated main street communities and 9 network communities. In addition to main street, Rethos community programs supports the artists on main street program, 3 cohorts of 11 communities over four years to foster alternative economic development and artistic approaches in downtowns. Rethos also encourages community engagement and supports communities through downtown assessments for district transformation.

In 2022, the education program reached 847 students from over 60 unique counties. People learned how to restore wood windows, repair plaster, draft a maintenance plan, and find resources for rehabbing old homes, among other topics. Additionally, realtors were educated through old home certified, a realtor certification course. As of the end of 2022, Rethos has 123 agents with an active certification.

We partnered on 1 new real estate project in Minnesota. We've helped install artwork in common areas, interpret historical information for the public, and invested in the development of the buildings by leveraging the state historic tax credits. We contribute to the Preservation of historic structures by holding various conservation easements.

Public policy: Rethos is committed to protecting the historic tax credit at the state and federal level. Rethos works closely with legislators, heritage commission groups, and local advocates as the coalition, revitalizemn, to keep this program as one of the key resources for protecting and rehabilitating historic buildings across Minnesota.

Doors open minneapolis is a heritage tourism event focused on bringing residents and tourists into commercial buildings through free tours. It is held annually over two days in the month of may. Rethos is the producer of the event. We locate venues willing to open up to the public, market the event to residents and tourists, and manage all aspects of the event.