Folsom is one of several Sierra foothills communities in California which were founded at the time of the Gold Rush. The original historic downtown and surrounding residential neighborhoods remain largely intact with a variety of visitor-oriented dining, entertainment and retail uses that capitalize on the historic character of the place. The Historic District Streetscape Improvement Plan is one part of a coordinated public-private effort to revitalize the Historic District while maintaining and strengthening its identity.

The revitalization project included extensive façade and streetscape renovation consisting of canopy and balcony replacements and associated building repairs involving 27 historic buildings.