SPRINGDALE — The Downtown Springdale Alliance, with revitalization plans complete, now turns to finding money to start the process.
Members of the alliance discussed sources for money and the staffing the process needs at a Friday meeting at the Jones Center. Ed Clifford, chief executive officer of the Jones Center, discussed the methods used in Bentonville when efforts began to bring its downtown square back to life. Clifford was chief executive officer of the Bentonville/Bella Vista Chamber of Commerce.
“Getting those footsteps coming downtown is what it is all about,” Clifford said. “You have to create a buzz.”
Bringing events to the area must start before the plan is completed, Clifford said. A series of events that people can count on will bring people to the downtown area on a continuing basis.
The downtown plan calls for creating a park-like atmosphere around the Razorback Greenway, a trail that will connect Fayetteville with Bentonville. The trail will go through Springdale’s downtown.
Clifford estimated a cost of $250,000 a year for three years. That figure would hire a staff of three and
At A Glance
Downtown Springdale Plan
The phases were approved by the Downtown Alliance, but money to carry out the plan must be approved by City Council.
Phase I(A)
• Purchase and remove buildings on the east side of Mill Street between Emma and Johnson avenues.
• Close Mill Street between Emma and Johnson avenues.
• Create a park-like setting in the area for the Razorback Greenway.
• Complete traffic and parking studies.
Phase I(B)
• Provide adequate water flow through Spring Creek.
Phase II(A)
• Uncap Spring Creek between Johnson and Meadow avenues.
Phase II(B)
• Complete a downtown streetscape.
Source: Downtown Springdale Alliance
allow the staff to plan, advertise and oversee events throughout the year, Clifford said.
Bentonville raised that seed money through grants from the Walton Family Foundation, Bentonville and donations from businesses, Clifford said. After three years, the downtown staff should raise enough money to continue operating, he said.
Money also is needed to begin downtown renovations, said Walter Turnbow, a retired Springdale businessman and alliance member. The group identified its priorities in the plan at its last meeting with uncovering Spring Creek as part of the first phase.
“We need to see how much we will need then go get it,” Turnbow said. “We might be able to get enough to do all the creek.”
Spring Creek was concreted between Meadow and Johnson avenues in the 1960s and 1970s as part of a federal Urban Renewal program. Also included in the plan is closing Mill Street between Emma and Johnson avenues and demolishing two buildings on the creek’s east side to create a park with the trail running though.
Patsy Christie, city planning director, said she estimated that at $600,000. That would not include purchasing and demolishing the buildings, she said. Mayor Doug Sprouse said the city might cover that cost.
A price for one of the buildings has been negotiated and will likely go in front of the City Council for consideration Aug. 27, Sprouse said.
Physical changes will not be enough, Clifford said.
“Investors will ask ‘And then what?’” Clifford said. “That is why you need continuing events.”
Some of the events proposed for the area included science demonstrations, gospel music sings and additional events connected to Arkansas & Missouri Railroad.
“We can also enhance some of the events already going on,” Clifford said.
Those included a salsa festival scheduled for October, Rodeo of the Ozarks, Cars and Coffee, the Christmas parade and Farmers Market.
“The whole town will have a different environment when you have a vital downtown,” Clifford said.