The Historic Shelby Foundation is working with Preservation North Carolina to preserve Shelby's notable architecture, including the Banker's House Photo courtesy of Uptown Shelby Association

For more than 20 years, the work of the Uptown Shelby Association and the Historic Shelby Foundation have enhanced the quality of life in Shelby. The Historic Shelby Foundation (HSF) was established in 1982 to protect and preserve the architectural and historical integrity that best defines Shelby and Cleveland County. HSF is a non-profit organization that promotes historic preservation as an investment in Shelby and North Carolina. Since 1982, HSF has been highly involved with many preservation projects: nomination of properties to the National Register of Historic Places including the Central Shelby Historic District and East Marion/Belvedere Park Historic District, holding an Annual Christmas Soiree--highlighting significant preservation persons and projects, and working with Preservation North Carolina to preserve two of the State's most notable architectural masterpieces--the Spanish Revival style El Nido and the Second Empire Banker's House. In addition the HSF helps advertise Shelby's historic properties that are for sale. In the spring of 2003, HSF began a revolving fund with the intent of purchasing threatened historic properties, stabilizing the buildings, establishing protective covenants and then reselling the property. The first property purchased through the revolving fund was the former Catholic Rectory on Graham Street.

The Uptown Shelby Association, with its offices located in Uptown Shelby, coordinates downtown revitalization efforts as a National Main Street Program Photo courtesy of Uptown Shelby Association

Along with the Historic Shelby Foundation, the city of Shelby benefits from the work of the Uptown Shelby Association (USA), a National Main Street Program. USA was established in 1980 as one of the first Main Street programs in North Carolina and the country. Since then, USA has coordinated efforts for downtown revitalization in Shelby. Uptown Shelby promotes and enhances the quality of life and commerce in the Uptown Shelby Business District through a variety of activities, including business recruitment and retention, promotion, organization, design oversight and events coordination including an award wining "Alive After 5" concert series during the spring and summer. As part of its efforts, the USA encourages and assists with historic preservation in order to retain the classic, small-town feel of Uptown Shelby.

Both organizations can be reached through the Uptown Shelby Association and Historic Shelby Foundation websites.