A Texas Historical Commission Main Street representative said unity and sensitivity are the tools to making downtown work during Wednesday night's seminar at City Hall.

Addressing a group of local officials and business owners, Robert Johnson used other cities he has visited and whose leaders he has counseled to illustrate the negative and positive aspects of downtown revitalization.

And, Johnson said, there is help in the form of grants and free advice for cities wishing to grow.

There are 86 Main Street programs active across the state, he said, and his plans are to visit all of them. He will remain in Marshall through Friday to meet with those involved in the project here.