Best of Siloam Springs

By Randy Rice h ave you ever visited a place that simply felt like home? at's just what you'll experience when you walk through downtown Siloam Springs. Whether you're from here or just passing through, the scenic, historic downtown and friendly, welcoming community are sure bring you back. Siloam Springs' inviting, walkable downtown is framed by beautifully maintained green spaces and a fountain-filled flowing creek bids a warm and heartfelt welcome. Local and award-winning coffee shops, restaurants, accommodations, and a host of truly unique retail stores exist to entice you to stay. A charming Main Street like the one in Siloam Springs doesn't happen by accident. Main Street Siloam Springs is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and revitalization of historic downtown Siloam Springs. Established in 1985, it remains committed to the economic development of the Main Street area, the cooperation and leadership of the local downtown businesses, and the continued improvement of the historic character of the area. Main Street Siloam Springs is accredited by Main Street Arkansas, a branch of the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program. "Our mission is to preserve the historic district of Siloam Springs, support local business and develop a vibrant gathering place for our community," said Stacy Morris, Executive Director of the organization. "e work that we do actually furthers the economic vitality of the downtown community through our revitalization efforts." Main Street Siloam Springs works closely with downtown businesses and stakeholders, as well as the City of Siloam Springs, the Chamber of Commerce, and a wide range of dedicated individuals and community members to collectively develop and progress the economic stability. "Some of the things we do is to make sure empty older buildings are maintained and try to find business tenants for them," Stacy continued. "We receive grant money from the state of Arkansas to help with historic preservations like redoing facades of building exteriors by painting or restoring them back to their original appearance." An example of this would be e Hoffman building that had its datestone at the top of the building's façade recently refurbished. And it is this attention to detail that makes the work of the Main Street nonprofit so lasting and important from an historical perspective. "All of the Main Street programs throughout Arkansas adhere to a four- point approach," Stacy said. "is was developed by the Main Street America to guide the grassroots work that I oversee here in Siloam Springs." ose four points include: 1. Organization - Building consensus and cooperation, managing time and resources while recruiting new volunteers and assets to the organization. 2. Promotion - Working to enhance the image of the downtown as an exciting community center and marketing the strengths and attractions of the historic district. 3. Design - Developing and improving the physical vitality of downtown and the potential to attract customers, tenants, residents, and investors. Advises and provides resources to building rehabilitation projects and other structural improvements. 4. Economic Vitality - Working to strengthen the existing economic base Main Street Siloam Springs – preserving and enhancing downtown 16 • Best of Siloam Springs Wednesday, November 9, 2022 Siloam Springs Herald-Leader 479-273-2220 • 1-800-495-2220 Thank y f voting f us! Member of National Pest Management Association, inc Arkansas Pest Management Association fax: 479-273-3401

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