By the early 1900's, railways and trucking led to New Bern's decline as a major port and mercantile center. After World War II, many businesses closed and followed the exodus to the suburbs. Vacant shops and deteriorating buildings, along with the degeneration and demolition of buildings on the waterfront led to a declining tax base. In 1970, under a federal urban renewal program, 14 acres of land along the Trent waterfront remained undeveloped following demolition of all but three commercial buildings.

In 1977, development of a Central Business District Business Plan became the foundation for an aggressive revitalization effort. The plan defined the role the city's historic assets and waterfront could play to expand the tourism industry, develop recreation, and a housing market to attract retirees. The plan's recommendation to create a private nonprofit to manage, initiate strategies, and coordinate the effort in partnership with local government led to the creation of Swiss Bear Downtown Development Corporation.

In 1980, New Bern was selected as one of five cities to participate in North Carolina's Main Street Program created by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. With support from the private and public sectors, Swiss Bear coordinates a revitalization effort that focuses on long-range plans with achievable goals and objectives.

Due to an aggressive revitalization effort, the heart of this beautiful historic city is now a major attraction. Downtown New Bern is a Main Street success story.

For more information: swissbear information
Swiss Bear Downtown Development Corp.
PO Box 597 - New Bern, NC 28563 | P:252-638-5781 or F:252-638-6696
www.downtownnewbern.com
Director: director@swissbear.org
MUMFEST Coordinator: events@swissbear.org