Gulfport Mainstreet

“Art Exposure” at Williams Gallery

meredith — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 02:35:16 +0000

Just a note to remind everyone about this Friday evening’s exhibit and reception at Williams Gallery from 5-7 p.m. This month’s exhibit features photography and paintings by the talented students from Gulfport High School’s Advanced Art Class, taught by Joyce King. The students, and the Gulfport School District’s art program, are a jewel in Gulfport’s crown!

Please stop by for a wonderful evening of art and refreshments compliments of Williams Gallery, Roy Anderson Jr., Jayme & Larry Bobinger, Gulfport Excellence and Gulfport Main Street Association. This event is one of a series of “first Friday” events being put together by the folks at Williams Gallery – please be sure to thank them for supporting local art and artists in downtown Gulfport.

Main Street Applauds City of Gulfport’s Adoption of Existing Building Code

meredith — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 02:32:36 +0000

The Gulfport City Council unanimously adopted the Existing Building Code, a code within the 2003 International Building Code which specifically addresses issues associated with the rehabilitation of historic buildings. The Council’s unanimous adoption of the code allows for immediate implementation of the new code, which will co-exist with the 2003 International Building Code.

“We worked with downtown property owners to identify issues that may cause downtown properties to sit vacant and in various stages of disrepair,” said Lisa Bradley, Gulfport Main Street Association Executive Director. “After discussing a number of issues, including high insurance rates and construction costs, we determined that the issue we could and should address is that the International Building Code, as it was adopted, does not make allowances for conditions specific to historic properties. We spoke with numerous professionals from other historic communities and without a doubt, the Existing Building Code is the tool we need to promote downtown revitalization.”

The Existing Building Code is an extra set of guidelines and tools for building officials to use when determining a building’s condition and eligibility for occupancy; it in no way replaces the IBC, which will still be used in most cases.

The Existing Building Code offers a practical approach to restoring old buildings, while maintaining the requirements of structural integrity and public safety, whereas the International Building Code treats all buildings the same. Older buildings were constructed long before current codes were established, and therefore, many of the older buildings do not meet certain new code requirements. For example, an older building would have a sprinkler system for fire protection that would be unacceptable under the IBC. The Existing Building Code allows for the sprinkler system to remain as long as the owner puts other fire separation, alarm and protection systems in place.

“The Existing Building Code is used widely throughout the state and the country as a mechanism to promote downtown revitalization,” said Main Street Design Chairperson Johnny Olsen. “I believe that the flexibility within the Existing Building Code will allow property owners to take on projects that before were-cost prohibitive.”

Gulfport State of the City Address

meredith — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 04:44:08 +0000

Thursday, March 5
Presented by: BancorpSouth
@ the Courtyard by Marriott – Gulfport Beachfront Hotel
5:30pm, 1600 East Beach Blvd., Gulfport
$25 individual tickets, $250 sponsor table of 10. Dinner included.

Main Street Ornament Still Available

meredith — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 05:19:20 +0000

This year’s special “Markham Building” Christmas ornament is still available! Special thanks to the retailers who have carried these beautiful pewter ornaments designed by Maurice Milleur for the past three years – please see the attached flyer. Quantities are limited, get them while you can! Proceeds benefit the Gulfport Main Street Association’s efforts to revitalize downtown Gulfport.

Please join us as we thank the following retailers for selling the Gulfport Main Street Association ornaments. These retailers are to be commended for their generosity and community support, as they sell these ornaments as part of a Main Street fundraiser, with no profit going to their establishments. This year’s “Markham” ornament, as well as previous years’ “Grasslawn” and “Chimney’s”ornaments are available at these fine retailers for $20 each.

Triplett Day – Downtown Gulfport

Williams Gallery

Gulfport Galleria of Fine Art

Heritage House

As You Like It

Freckles

French Décor & More

For larger quantities (more than 10), please call the Gulfport Main Street office at (228) 575-7794 or visit our online store to purchase them directly.