The Main Street DifferenceMain Street Rogers Program, a branch of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, is a revitalization program available to historic downtown districts that impacts the core business district.
An Award Winning Success Main Street Rogers has enjoyed many success stories. The leadership of its Board of Directors and financial support of the community has made it possible to focus and move forward following the Main Street four point strategy.
You Can HelpIf you would like to be a part of this effort to maintain Rogers' historical district we can provide you with information about investment opportunities in Historic Downtown Rogers.
Introduced to the community of Rogers, Arkansas in 1985, the Main Street Rogers Program, a branch of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, is a revitalization program available to historic downtown districts that impacts the core business district, and in doing so energizes the entire community.
Economic development in the context of Historic Preservation is a vital tool. It helps us to preserve our past and bring vitality to the heart of our downtown, therefore maintaining the core identity of the community.
Guided by a four-point approach to rejuvenating older downtown districts, Main Street Rogers works diligently in the areas of Business Improvement, Design, Organization and Promotion.
Point One: Business Improvement These activities include helping existing downtown businesses expand; recruiting new businesses to provide a balanced mix; converting unused space into productive property; and sharpening the competitiveness of downtown merchants. From the years 1985 to 2000, six million dollars has been reinvested in the Rogers downtown district to this end.
Point Two: Design
Design involves improving the downtown image by enhancing its physical appearance, not just the buildings but also of street lights, window displays, parking areas, signs, sidewalks, promotional materials and all other elements which convey a visual message about what the downtown is and what it has to offer. Downtown Rogers has accomplished 91 facade improvements since the inception of this program in 1985.
Point Three: Organization Organization means building consensus and cooperation between the groups that play roles in the downtown. Many individuals and organizations in the community have a stake in the economic viability of the downtown, including: city and county officials, merchants, downtown residents, professionals, Chamber of Commerce representatives, local industries, civic groups, historical societies, schools, consumers, real estate agents, and local media.
Point Four: Promotion Promotion markets the downtown's unique characteristics to shoppers, investors, new businesses, tourists and others. Effective promotion creates a positive image of the downtown through support of retail promotional activity, special events and ongoing education programs to build positive perceptions of the district. Two much anticipated events sponsored by Main Street Rogers are Frisco Festival and Community Christmas Parade.
Since its inception in 1984, Main Street Rogers has enjoyed many success stories. The leadership of its Board of Directors and financial support of the community has made it possible to focus and move forward following the Main Street four point strategy.
Here is a partial list of MSR accomplishments:
1985
Low Interest Loan Program developed
First Annual Main Street Festival
First evening Community Christmas Parade
1986
Mini-grant program established
1987
Walnut Street National Historic District Designated
Restoration of Nationally recognized Coca-Cola sign
MSR receives Chamber of Commerce "Open" Award of Excellence
1989
Developed Parking Management Plan for downtown employees
1990
Poor Richard's receives first Model Business Grant
1991
Historic light pole installed in Frisco Park
J.E. Applegate Building receives HPAA's Excellence in Personal Projects award
1992
Completion of Frisco Park drainage and paving project
1993
ADA "Curb Cuts/Handrails" completed
Walnut Street National Historic District expanded
1998
Arkansas Festival Association presents MSR's Frisco Festival with ALFIE Awards: First Place, Color Brochure; First Runner Up for "Festival of the Year"; Winner of the AFA Heritage Award
Additional historic light poles installed on Walnut
2000
MSR hosts First Lady Main Street Tour
MSR again hosts annual celebration of National Historic Preservation Week, Cy Southerland speaker Rogers Little Theater, Model Business Grant recipient, reopens the Victory Theater. Virtual Frisco Festival wins
Main Street Arkansas Image/Best Technology Award.
2001
MSR works with the City of Rogers and Historic District Merchants to
purchase Holiday Lighting
Main Street Arkansas awards Major Model Business Grant to White’s
Jewelry & Estates.
2002 Downtown Merchants group joins with MSR
MSR renewed the Preferred Loan Program to $4,500,000 with 9 local
banks.
Arkansas Education Television Network coverage of Frisco Festival
Rogers/Lowell Chamber of Commerce presents MSR’s Frisco Festival
with the Chamber Spirit Award
Main Street Arkansas presents Best Renovation & Best Image Promotion
to MSR
Arkansas Festival Association presents MSR’s Frisco Festival with
ALFIE Awards: Best Color Brochure, Best Community Trademark.
2004
Great American Main Street Award
20th Anniversary Gala including “Main Street Rogers, 20th
Anniversary Video” and “Main Street Rogers, Then & Now” Poster Photo
Essay.
2006 Main Street Arkansas recognizes Main Street Rogers with awards
for Outstanding Executive Director; Marge Wolf Best Public/Private Partnership; City of Rogers - Main
Street Rogers Best Downtown Marketing Program; Marketing Brochure and
Website; DesignWorks and Main Street Rogers Best Upper Floor Housing Development; Gary and Jan
Oftedahl
