RVMS was established in 1985 as one of the first urban Main Street Programs in the nation, with the help of then City Councilor Thomas M. Menino and the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Within its first three years, RVMS achieved great success in revitalizing Roslindale Village, with 33 façade changes, 43 commercial building rehabilitations, 29 net new businesses, and 132 net job gains—totaling over $5 million in new investments. Roslindale Village Main Street received a National Main Streets Urban Pioneer Award in 2006 for its revitalization efforts.