Facade improvements part of Main Street Fort Smith mini-grant program

Main Street Fort Smith plans to provide up to $15,000 through a mini-grant program to help downtown business and property owners pay for certain property improvements. Matching grants will range between $1,500 and $7,500.

Amanda Hagar, executive director of Main Street Fort Smith^[1], said one of her first priorities after taking the job in mid-2024 was to help improve the look of downtown Fort Smith. She said the mini-grant program, supported by the Division of Arkansas Heritage, has been popular in the state and other states with similar programs.

“It’s a common program that Main Streets across the country use, so there have been a lot of lessons learned from those programs that we’re using here,” Hagar said. “And really, it’s a way for us to help preserve downtown and also have a meaningful impact for a property owner who has been thinking about doing that (property improvement).”

According to Hagar, examples of eligible projects include new awnings, masonry repair, signage, facade improvements, “historically appropriate” architectural restoration, interior improvements, and “beautification projects that enhance the district.” The work also must be in compliance with city of Fort Smith form-based codes.

“An emphasis will be placed on projects with the highest visual and economic impact, such as façade improvements: awnings, exterior paint, masonry, and lighting,” noted Main Street Fort Smith literature about the program.

To raise awareness about the grant program, Hagar said she will use social media and will “make a lot of visits” to downtown business and property owners to explain the process.

Grant applications open Oct. 1, and close at 5 p.m., Nov. 12. Grant awards will be announced no later than Dec. 1. Applications will be reviewed by a committee appointed by Main Street Fort Smith and approved by Main Street Arkansas consultants, according to Hagar. The application will be posted on the Main Street Fort Smith website^[2].

According to its website, Main Street Fort Smith “is a nonprofit committed to creating vibrant spaces in downtown Fort Smith through business development, arts and culture, special events, and the promotion of attractive amenities to accelerate development of diverse commerce.”

Main Street Arkansas is a program within the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program (AHPP). It was established in 1984 to help spark life into Arkansas’ traditionally commercial areas. The program works with “community members committed to revitalizing and preserving downtowns across” the state. At the state level, Main Street Arkansas offers consultation services including interior and exterior design help, small business advice and grant opportunities to its members.

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