Clewiston, FL
Revitalizing Downtown with Community-Driven Art
Dubbed “America’s Sweetest Town” for its sugarcane industry, Downtown Strategies collaborated with the Community Revitalization Agency to revitalize the downtown core.
First Steps
In Spring 2022, Downtown Strategies began its partnership with Clewiston to address the dormant state of the local Community Revitalization Agency (CRA). The team conducted an in-market Strategic Visioning Workshop in July 2022 to assess the downtown’s needs and opportunities. Engaging with CRA board members and community stakeholders, the workshop identified a desire to create momentum through visible, community-driven projects. The discovery phase highlighted Clewiston’s rich agricultural history and the potential for public art to serve as a catalyst for revitalization.
Strategic Focus Areas
Project Scope
Project Scope
- 5-Year Strategic Action Plan
- 2 Years Implementation Support
- Small Business Support
Partnership Timeline
Partnership Timeline
- Partnership Began: Spring 2022
- In-market Strategic Visioning Workshop: July 2022
- Strategic Action Plan Delivered: September 2022
- Implementation Support: Fall 2022 – May 2025
Small Business Support
Small Business Support
- Holiday Shopping Trends: October 2022
- Omni-Channel Training: March 2023
- Property Owner Training: March 2023
Implementation Support
Implementation Support
- Property Marketing Toolkit
- Downtown Flyer
- Developed a Façade Improvement Program
- Ventura Avenue Streetscape Enhancement Renderings
Year 1
Beginning the Journey
Following the workshop, Downtown Strategies delivered a comprehensive 5-year Strategic Action Plan in September 2022. The plan outlined strategies to enhance downtown Clewiston, including small-scale initiatives like public art installations and streetscape improvements.
A key recommendation was the creation of a “selfie wall” mural to serve as a photo-op destination, leveraging the community’s agricultural heritage. The plan also included support for small businesses through training and marketing tools, as well as a Façade Improvement Program and Ventura Avenue streetscape enhancements. The CRA board selected the selfie wall mural as a short-term Action Team project to foster collaboration and build momentum.
Downtown Campaign
Downtown Reimagined
Years 1, 2 & 3
Implementation
2022: Implementation began in Fall 2022 with the rollout of small business support initiatives. Downtown Strategies provided Holiday Shopping Trends insights in October 2022 to help local retailers prepare for the season. The team also developed a Property Marketing Toolkit and a Downtown Flyer to promote the area.
2023: In March 2023, Downtown Strategies conducted Omni-Channel Training and Property Owner Training to empower local businesses and property owners. The team continued to support the CRA with the development of a Façade Improvement Program and provided renderings for Ventura Avenue streetscape enhancements, laying the groundwork for physical improvements to the downtown area.
2024–2025: The selfie wall mural project gained traction in May 2024, with Downtown Strategies providing technical assistance and monthly support calls to the CRA board through May 2025. The CRA secured a location for the mural, conducted outreach to local and regional artists, and developed design concepts celebrating Clewiston’s agricultural history. Despite challenges, the board established relationships with regional art organizations and researched Property Owner Agreements. The mural installation is planned for Summer 2025, promising to create a vibrant, Instagrammable destination that will draw visitors and foster community pride.
We've Been in Your Shoes
The partnership between Downtown Strategies and Clewiston has transformed a dormant CRA into a proactive force for downtown revitalization. Through strategic planning and hands-on support, the community is on track to unveil a selfie wall mural in Summer 2025, celebrating its agricultural roots and inviting visitors to experience “America’s Sweetest Town.” This success demonstrates the power of small-scale, community-driven projects to spark lasting change.
We are a team of former practitioners.
- Main Street Director
- Tourism Director
- Community Development Director
- Main Street Board of Directors Chairperson
- Tourism Board of Directors Chairperson
- Design Committee Chairperson
- Volunteer
- Planning and Zoning Commissioner
- Board of Directors Member
- Downtown Association Member
