MAIN STREET 20TH ANNIVERSARY

Main Street 20th Anniversary (PDF 6 MB)

From the Director of the Department of Arkansas Heritage

"Are We Pleased?" You Bet We Are!" That was the front page headline on the first edition of the Main Street Arkansas Newsletter in 1984. Twenty years later, we continue to be impressed with the downtown revitalization efforts in our state.

Vacant train depots and theaters have been restored to serve as community gathering places once again. Historic commercial buildings once in danger of being condemned are being restored to house new businesses, some with housing on the second floors. Neglected public areas now have green space, improved sidewalks, lighting and banners creating truly welcoming environments. Locally owned businesses are learning how to co-exist with the big box retailers, and most of all, community pride is growing.

The Main Street Arkansas program has worked to create 725 new businesses that have brought a net gain of 3,840 jobs. There have been 2,300 facade renovations and building rehabilitations in Main Street communities. That's a heartfelt investment. But if you think the numbers are impressive, you should see the results in person. The hard work is evident when you enter that restored train depot, walk on the improved sidewalks and green space and conduct business in a restored, historic building.

I encourage you to visit these Main Street communities and see for yourselves the really wonderful things that are being accomplished there. Are we pleased? You bet we are. And you'll find that pride on Main Street.

Sincerely,
Cathie Matthews

The Heritage Month poster for 2004 commemorates the theme "Arkansas Heritage: Find It on Main Street" and marks the twentieth anniversary of the Main Street Arkansas program. The poster illustration was done by Little Rock artist Gary Golden and illustrates the importance of our Main Street commercial areas, both then and now. It shows how buildings and their uses have evolved over the years as we find new ways to keep our downtown commercial areas as viable parts of our communities. The collectible poster is suitable for framing and will be a complement to an office, den or family room. To get your free poster, call (501) 324-9150 or e-mail info@ArkansasHeritage.com.