Downtown Revitalization Spreads Across Northwest Arkansas
By: Kyle Leyenberger
Updated: February 17, 2013
Northwest Arkansas cities are fighting to restore historic downtown areas to their former glory.
Betty Wallace says there's no better place to enjoy a cup of joe than downtown Rogers.
"I love it," she says. "I love it. I like walking through the older towns and interesting shops."
The historic district wasn't always so charming. As retail moved to other areas, storefronts had trouble staying full.
"There was a time when we were concerned," says Raymond Burns, President and CEO of the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce.
The city fixed up streets and lighting, and business owners responded, moving back to renovate the original part of town.
"Most of the space that's available... is pretty well full," Burns says.
Downtown Bentonville is proof that revitalization efforts works, after more than a decade of planning and years of hard work the square has come back to life.
"We're now seeing the fruits of that particular planning," says Tom Ginn, Vice President of Economic Development for the Bentonville Bella Vista Chamber of Commerce.
He says the newest addition will bring in new visitors to enjoy those fruits.
"21c Museum Hotel is going to add a huge amount of culture to the area," Ginn says.
Now Springdale is taking their neighbors' lead, creating a master plan to attract shops and restaurants to Emma avenue.
"Each of our cities along the I-540 corridor have a distinct character, that is theirs," says Steve Clark, President and CEO of the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce.
Mike Malone, President and CEO of the Northwest Arkansas Council says revitalizing downtown areas makes the region as a whole a more attractive place for investors.
"There seems to be a real spark of enthusiasm in all the towns in Northwest Arkansas," Malone says "It's a real symbol of a community that cares."
Betty Wallace says there's no better place to enjoy a cup of joe than downtown Rogers.
"I love it," she says. "I love it. I like walking through the older towns and interesting shops."
The historic district wasn't always so charming. As retail moved to other areas, storefronts had trouble staying full.
"There was a time when we were concerned," says Raymond Burns, President and CEO of the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce.
The city fixed up streets and lighting, and business owners responded, moving back to renovate the original part of town.
"Most of the space that's available... is pretty well full," Burns says.
Downtown Bentonville is proof that revitalization efforts works, after more than a decade of planning and years of hard work the square has come back to life.
"We're now seeing the fruits of that particular planning," says Tom Ginn, Vice President of Economic Development for the Bentonville Bella Vista Chamber of Commerce.
He says the newest addition will bring in new visitors to enjoy those fruits.
"21c Museum Hotel is going to add a huge amount of culture to the area," Ginn says.
Now Springdale is taking their neighbors' lead, creating a master plan to attract shops and restaurants to Emma avenue.
"Each of our cities along the I-540 corridor have a distinct character, that is theirs," says Steve Clark, President and CEO of the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce.
Mike Malone, President and CEO of the Northwest Arkansas Council says revitalizing downtown areas makes the region as a whole a more attractive place for investors.
"There seems to be a real spark of enthusiasm in all the towns in Northwest Arkansas," Malone says "It's a real symbol of a community that cares."
