Main Street Altus Recognized at the 35th Annual Oklahoma Main Street Awards

On September 30th, representatives from Main Street Altus attended the 35th Annual Oklahoma Main Street Awards Ceremony, celebrating the people and projects that continue to strengthen downtowns across our state. Main Street Altus was honored to be listed among the Top Ten Main Street Programs in Oklahoma and proudly brought home two state awards recognizing outstanding local revitalization efforts.

🏆 Best Façade Rehabilitation Under $25,000 – White’s Auto

The restoration project at 117 N. Hudson, next to Hudson Hall, focused on removing the last remaining metal façade in Altus’s historic district to reveal and restore the building’s original brick architecture from the early 1900s.

Funded primarily by the building’s owners, with support from a $2,500 Main Street Altus façade grant, the $15,000 project included metal removal, brick repair, and a fresh coat of paint to match the building’s original white finish. Guided by a historic photo, the project not only preserved key architectural features but also marked a milestone in the ongoing revitalization of downtown Altus.

This restoration embodies Main Street Altus’s mission to protect historic integrity while promoting growth and visual appeal in the district.

🏆 Best Adaptive Reuse Project Over $25,000 – Shortgrass Community Health Center

Located at 101 S. Main, this building once served as a local post office and long-time office space — a cornerstone of Altus’s history. After years of neglect and a severely leaking roof, the property was purchased in 2023 by Shortgrass Community Health Center, a nonprofit dedicated to serving low-income residents.

With help from Main Street Altus — who connected the property owner with Shortgrass’s CEO — the organization launched extensive renovations, beginning with a durable new roof and interior upgrades. The clinic officially opened its doors in March 2024, now providing medical and behavioral health services in a walkable, central location.

The community’s response has been overwhelmingly positive, celebrating both the revival of a historic space and the essential healthcare services it now provides. This project stands as a shining example of how historic preservation and community service can go hand in hand.

A Night of Celebration and Inspiration

The evening was a wonderful opportunity for our team to celebrate these achievements and connect with other Main Street programs across Oklahoma. Hearing success stories from communities big and small reminded us that revitalization is a collective effort — one built on vision, collaboration, and pride in our local heritage.

Main Street Altus extends heartfelt thanks to our local property owners, business partners, volunteers, and community supporters who continue to make downtown Altus a place worth celebrating.