Today we’d like to introduce you to Susan Ohalloran.
Hi susan, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
The designation was approved in 1992, and Beaumont Main Street began its work of revitalizing the Beaumont Commercial District, which is a National Register District. The organization has been a key player in a number of preservation and restoration projects, often through a public-private partnership model.
Financial Investment: Since 1992, over $200 million has been invested in property acquisition, renovation, and new construction in downtown Beaumont.
Loan and Grant Programs: Beaumont Main Street has used a revolving loan fund to assist in the restoration of a number of buildings, including the White building (which was saved from demolition and converted into lofts) and the Santa Fe Depot.
Historic Preservation: The organization has been instrumental in preserving key historical landmarks. One notable achievement was partnering with the Jefferson Theatre Preservation Society to raise $6.5 million to save the historic Jefferson Theatre, a 1927 vaudevillian theater that remains a premier venue.
Cultural Hub: The Main Street area is now a vibrant cultural center, home to many of the city’s museums, theaters, and historic buildings. These include the Art Museum of Southeast Texas, the Texas Energy Museum, the Fire Museum of Texas (which features the world’s largest working fire hydrant), the Jefferson Theatre, and the Julie Rogers Theatre.
Today, Main Street in downtown Beaumont is a blend of historic architecture and modern amenities, reflecting its history as a vital economic center while continuing to evolve as a cultural and entertainment district.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Like many non-profit organizations focused on urban revitalization, Beaumont Main Street has faced several significant challenges over its history. These struggles primarily revolve around funding, securing private investment, and addressing socioeconomic issues that impact the downtown area.
Funding and Financial Stability
As a non-profit, Beaumont Main Street does not have its own grant money to distribute to private property owners. Instead, it relies on a mix of funding sources, and securing these has been a consistent challenge.
Reliance on Local Government: A significant portion of its funding comes from the City of Beaumont. While this relationship has been a strong partnership, it means the organization’s financial stability can be impacted by the city’s own budget and economic health. A Texas Historical Commission document on funding for Main Street programs notes that while this local government support is essential, a multi-pronged funding approach is necessary to avoid an “all-eggs-in-one-basket” scenario.
Need for Diverse Income Streams: To supplement government funding, Beaumont Main Street must actively seek out other sources, such as memberships, donations, and sponsorships. The need to constantly raise money for basic operations can divert time and resources away from achieving its core revitalization goals.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Tom Bell is a key figure in the history and ongoing revitalization efforts of downtown Beaumont, Texas, primarily through his role as the Executive Director of Beaumont Main Street.
Here are some of the key aspects of his work and influence:
Executive Director since 2015: Tom Bell has been at the helm of Beaumont Main Street since 2015. In this capacity, he is responsible for overseeing the organization’s mission to preserve, promote, and revitalize the city’s historic downtown district.
Focus on Preservation: Bell’s work is centered on the restoration of historic buildings. He has been a strong advocate for saving significant structures that contribute to Beaumont’s heritage, such as the Jefferson Theatre. He has emphasized the importance of these buildings not just as historical artifacts but as catalysts for future economic development.
A “Restoration Business”: In an interview with the Beaumont Enterprise, Bell described Beaumont Main Street as being in the “restoration business” for historic buildings. This highlights the organization’s hands-on approach to helping property owners navigate renovations and secure tax credits to make these projects financially viable.
Promoting Downtown as a Destination: Beyond just preserving buildings, Bell has focused on making downtown a vibrant and attractive place for residents and visitors. He has been involved in organizing events and promoting the area’s cultural assets, such as the museums and theaters, to draw people back to the city center.
Advocacy for Growth: Bell has also been a vocal advocate for new development in downtown Beaumont. He has publicly supported projects like the potential construction of a new hotel and residential building, viewing such developments as essential for creating a “24-hour” downtown with a thriving population.
Board and Committee Roles: In addition to his leadership at Beaumont Main Street, Bell has served on other civic committees, such as a city-created ad-hoc committee dedicated to promoting downtown growth. This demonstrates his close collaboration with city government and other stakeholders to achieve shared revitalization goals.
Tom is taking his well deserved retirement this year on October 20th, 2025 and we wish him much happiness. Susan O’Halloran has replaced Tom as Executive Director.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
DOG-toberfest is a major annual event organized by Beaumont Main Street that brings a fun, dog-centric festival to the heart of downtown Beaumont. It is a key part of the organization’s mission to draw people and activity back to the city center.
Here are some of the key features of DOG-toberfest:
Location: The event is typically held on the lawn of the Julie Rogers Theatre, a central and historic location within the downtown district.
Family and Pet-Friendly Activities: The festival is designed to be a day of entertainment for both two-legged and four-legged attendees. Activities often include:
A “Strut Your Mutt” parade or competition.
Contests for best-dressed and most talented dogs.
A “puppy kissing booth” and “paw readings.”
Food and music.
Various dog-themed activities, souvenirs, and awards.
Purpose: The event serves as more than just a festival. As noted by a sponsor, it is a way to “revitalize downtown” and “bring the focus back to downtown” Beaumont. It’s an example of how Beaumont Main Street uses community events to achieve its broader goals of economic and cultural revitalization.
Attendance: DOG-toberfest is a popular event that attracts a significant number of people, with past attendance numbers ranging from 3,000 to 6,000 Southeast Texans.
This year it takes placeon Saturday, October 18th, 2025 9AM-2PM.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://beaumontmainstreet.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beaumontmainstreet
