Silver City MainStreet received $125,000 in New Mexico MainStreet capital outlay funding for the Silco Theater Project. The funding is being used towards infrastructure improvements. 

New Mexico MainStreet (NMMS) and the New Mexico Economic Development Department (NMEDD) announced that $2.5 million has been awarded for revitalization projects in 13 NMMS districts. The NMMS Public Infrastructure Capital Outlay Program provides funding for upgrades within a targeted public investment area. Projects must be an economic driver, demonstrate impact on the local economy, improve the appearance & functionality of the district, create connectors, and engage local property & business owners. 

“The Capital Outlay Program is an essential component of economic redevelopment and supports the revitalization of rural & urban communities across the state,” Economic Development Secretary Alicia J. Keyes said. 

“Capital Outlay appropriations from the Legislature allow New Mexico MainStreet to fund priority construction-ready projects from our pipeline and directly support economic growth, property renovation, business development and job creation in downtown districts,” NMMS Director Daniel Gutierrez said. 

NMMS develops local capacity to engage people, rebuild places and grow the entrepreneurial, creative & business environment resulting in economically thriving downtowns, greater business & employment opportunities, and a higher quality of life. NMMS was founded in 1984 and currently serves 31 affiliated MainStreet Districts, 12 state-authorized Arts & Cultural Districts, 6 Frontier & Native American Community projects, 4 Urban Neighborhood Commercial Corridor projects, and 9 Historic Theaters.

“We are so grateful to NM MainStreet for this funding that will go toward making the Silco Theater a true community event space engaging residents and tourists in our downtown, states Evangeline Zamora, Board President of Silver City MainStreet. This funding can be used to leverage the additional funding needed to complete the infrastructure improvements. We are also grateful to the Town of Silver City for supporting this project and moving it forward.”

The Silco Theater project improves the infrastructure of the theater so the theater can be used for a variety of cultural events along with showing movies. The expanded uses of the theater will ensure that the theater serves the community long term and remains and economic driver for Silver City. 

The Silver City MainStreet Project is one of the oldest MainStreet programs in the state and has accomplished many projects since 1985 including the downtown street lights, downtown gateway arch, improvements to the Big Ditch Park, numerous beautification projects, and the Main Street Plaza.

The mission of Silver City MainStreet is "To encourage a vibrant, historic downtown Silver City that is recognized as the heart of our diverse community." Please visit our website, www.silvercitymainstreet.com to learn more.