About El Dorado Main Street

El Dorado, Kansas, founded in 1871, began as a farming and ranching community. In the fall of 1915, one of the largest underground oil reserves in the United States was discovered and, in a single year, more than 28 million barrels of crude oil were produced in the area.

El Dorado's economy and size grew almost overnight. Lease prices for land skyrocketed as men drilled for oil. New shops and businesses were built to meet the demands of thousands of incoming workers. By 1918, the population of the area totaled almost 20,000. Three refineries created a strong economy based on its rich oil fields.

Ups and downs in the overall economy of the town were largely influenced by the oil industry. Therefore, when one refinery shut down and another began operating with a skeleton workforce, 600 people were left unemployed. Empty storefronts plagued the once active downtown as "big box" stores entered the picture, leaving many business owners scratching their heads as to how to compete with these giants.

A change in attitude was needed to survive the declining economy.

Then

Now

In 1988, five concerned citizens began a series of meetings to discuss ways to revitalize El Dorado and met for 10 months, exploring the needs for retail revitalization. Many more citizens soon came onboard.

After arranging a visiting consultation with HyattPalma Marketing group, the Community Action for Retail Revitalization (CARR) organization was formed in 1989. El Dorado became a partnership city for eight years under the Kansas Downtown Development Association and an association with Kansas Main Street began to develop. CARR utilized both groups’ resources and training programs.

In 1997, CARR applied for and received a $1.4 million ISTEA grant, further enhancing the economic viability of Downtown. A major streetscape project, completed in November 1998, took place to update the City's aging infrastructure and give the area a renewed historic image.

Then

Now

In 1998, El Dorado applied for and received Main Street status. HyattPalma returned, bringing new information, new motivation, and a broader vision. The organizational structure set forth by the HyattPalma report, "Downtown El Dorado Economic Enhancement Strategy", and the work plans under Main Street gave us the formula for success.

Robin's Then and Now

El Dorado celebrates ten years as a Kansas Main Street City, obtaining Emeritus status. Under their direction, we continue downtown development and restoration, striving towards greater accomplishments. Many volunteers have worked and continue to work hard to make El Dorado Main Street a vital organization. We have been fortunate to have city leaders who are supportive and recognize the increased economic activity as measured by sales tax figures.

A few years ago, four downtown buildings were destroyed by fire. Wal-Mart has built a new super store. Yet these events have not deterred the positive attitudes of those determined to forge ahead. Business owners continue to renovate their exteriors with new signage, paint, and windows and private investment in the downtown is prevalent. Due to continued efforts by El Dorado Main Street and the Chamber of Commerce, an $11 million Judicial Center and a $4.8 million YMCA are now located downtown. A new image campaign has been implemented: El Dorado - The Fine Art of Living Well and over $72,000 in art donations to the City enhance the Downtown image. A 5-mile bike path was completed and a further extension is underway.

Judicial Center

Today, El Dorado is a progressive community. From fine art museums, antique malls, unique shopping venues and eateries, and a historic train depot, to respected schools, quality medical facilities and outstanding indoor and outdoor recreational facilities, El Dorado provides numerous opportunities for a diverse population, both young and old. Our citizens, indeed, know The Fine Art of Living Well.