ROGERS — Downtown Rogers was not a magnet for shoppers two years ago because there were about as many vacant storefronts as there were businesses.
The trend has changed, and Kerry Jensen, executive director of Main Street Rogers, said Wednesday downtown is nearing 90 percent occupancy.
More than 19 new businesses opened downtown this year and eight more are scheduled to open before the end of the year, Jensen said. Six businesses closed and one moved to a location out of the downtown during the same time period.
“Downtown has come along way and it looks like it’s only going to get better,” Jensen said.
WHAT'S NEXT
A “mission” and “vision” workshop, hosted by Main Street Rogers in conjunction with Main Street Arkansas, is scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday. The purpose of the meeting is to allow residents the opportunity to help determine the future of downtown. A new vision plan will be written during the meeting and approved later by the Main Street Rogers Board of Directors. The meeting will be at City Hall, 301 W. Chestnut St., in Council Chambers. The meeting is open to everyone.
Source: Staff report
Downtown is doing well even though the economic slump continues in Northwest Arkansas and much of the nation, Jensen said.
“I think the reason things are turning around downtown is because it is unique. It’s individuals that are opening businesses. Their personality and passion are as much a part of the business as the merchandise they sell. It’s a blending of personalities that is breathing new life in downtown,” Jensen said.
Kirby Hamby is co-owner of Kirby’s Cupcakes at the corner of Second and Elm streets, scheduled to open in two to three weeks. Hamby said she didn’t want to locate her business anywhere but downtown.
“I grew up here, moved away for several years, then moved back. I wanted to be part of the revival of downtown. I want to see downtown as busy as it was when I grew up here,” Hamby said.
Hamby and her daughter and co-owner Lisa Hastings plan to serve breakfast and lunch at the location. All items will be in the form of a cupcake.
Shane Zimmerman is owner of the Rail Pizza Company on First Street next door to the Iron Horse Coffee Co. He is ready for his business to open.
“We plan to be open by the end of November,” Zimmerman said.
Downtown was the place he wanted to be.
“Downtown is relaxed, laid back, it’s the soul of the city and I wanted to be part of that. There are a lot of good people in downtown,” Zimmerman said. The style of the buildings and nostalgic feel also played a part of his decision to open a pizza restaurant downtown.
Melanie Merkling, owner of Melanie’s Photography at 216 S. First St., held a grand opening Saturday.
“I like the feel of downtown and the buildings have character. It’s also allows me to display my work during the Twilight Walks, which is great,” Merkling said.
Twilight Walk is a monthly event during the spring and summer, sponsored by Main Street Rogers. Art is displayed during the walk, and there is live entertainment.
Merkling worked out of her house for seven years, specializing in baby and children’s photography.
“It was time for me to get a storefront, and downtown is where I want to be. There is a lot more foot traffic downtown than I thought which is bringing in new business,” she said.
Phillip Thomas of NOVO Studios, a photography and graphics shop, said he considered several locations before he opened downtown earlier this year.
“I looked at a property in Lowell and Springdale near U.S. 412 and I-540. I even considered buying land and building a studio. I came down here because it was affordable and I wanted to be part of the rebirth of downtown,” Thomas said.
The majority of his business was referrals and he didn’t expect much foot traffic in front of his business at 108 W. Walnut St.
“But I do get a lot of foot traffic and the Twilight Walk brings more people downtown,” Thomas said.
Burke Brackett and his wife Kristi hope to open Chicago Dogs on the northeast corner of Second and Elm streets next month.
“We have a great location, this building is perfect for us. We are excited about being part of downtown and plan to serve the best Chicago Dogs this side of the Windy City,” Brackett said. Chicago Dogs will also serve sandwiches, sausage dogs and ice cream.
Jensen said people are beginning to realize how many varied businesses there are downtown. He added there are 21 restaurants in the area bordered by Eighth, Arkansas, Cherry and Locust streets.