Downtown Lawrence faces a challenge.

New ways of attracting visitors to the heart of the city are necessary if it is going to continue to thrive and compete with a growing number of retail and commercial developments elsewhere, the directors of Downtown Lawrence Inc. say.

“One of our goals is to protect what we have here and market the benefits of shopping local and downtown,” said Maria Martin, who co-chairs the nonprofit organization along with Melodie Christal.

Getting downtown registered as a state historic area is one way to attract more people, Martin and Christal said. Downtown Lawrence Inc. worked with Lawrence city officials last year in preparing the application for the designation. The official designation was still pending.

Most local residents know about Lawrence’s historic ties to the Civil War era and the infamous Quantrill’s Raid. Yet there is no established way of promoting that history, such as a downtown walking tour and accompanying signs and brochures with information about particular locations.

“That will hopefully get tourists to visit here,” Christal said. “We’re just starting to talk about how to capitalize on a historic designation.”

Obtaining historic designation also would make various grant funds available for promoting the area. State and federal tax credits would be available for business owners who wanted to renovate or remodel their property.

Melodie Christal, left, and Maria Martin co-chair Downtown Lawrence Inc. The organization helps protect businessess downtown.

Downtown Lawrence Inc. originated more than 30 years ago under the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce. It became a separate entity in the late 1960s-early 1970s. Today, Christal and Martin work part time for the organization in an office at 900 Mass.

Downtown Lawrence Inc. has a membership of about 160, including owners of downtown retail and restaurant establishments as well as business professionals.

The organization is funded by membership dues ($300 for retail and restaurants, $150 for professionals) and a $50,000 grant from the city.

Downtown Lawrence Inc. annually organizes and promotes the Christmas celebration, highlighted by the arrival of Santa Claus on the roof of Weaver’s Department Store, 901 Mass.; Halloween night’s trick-or-treat for children at business; the sidewalk sale; and summer Brown Bag concerts.

The organization also has worked with the city on various beautification projects.