HHBA hears of downtown updates
The Historic Harrison Business Association met Monday night, Oct. 13, at the Signature Bank Tower and heard many details about downtown's happenings.
The next significant activity for downtown is the Christmas tree lighting ceremony on Thursday, Nov. 6, at 5:30 p.m. Everyone is invited to bring lawn chairs, enjoy some Christmas music and refreshments at local restaurants, and then watch Mayor Jackson flip the switch that lights up the new Christmas tree purchased by the HHBA.
Collectible ornaments will be for sale as an HHBA fundraiser. Also happening that evening is a fundraiser for Main Street Harrison. Photographer and business owner Beth Crenshaw will offer mini Christmas-themed portrait sessions with her vintage truck.
Mayor Jerry Jackson and HHBA President Mike Nabors presented a tag-team approach to the update and said the new leather shop is open, and the microbrewery will be open soon. Picasso Pints will be on the agenda for the November Planning Commission before opening on the Square.
The group congratulated Ruby and Amanda Chitsey on how great the new windows look at Three Wishes. They still have more work to do on the inside before they can move back in, and hope it won’t be too long.
The Mayor hopes some decorative light poles to match what is already around the square will arrive in time for them to be down Stephenson and Rush Street before the tree lighting on Thursday, Nov. 6. The money is coming from the Downtown Beautification Fund, which the city set up several years ago.
ARDOT has agreed to place signage on the Bypass that identifies the Historic Downtown District to motorists.
The Main Street Bridge is ahead of schedule, but may have to wait for asphalt plants to open in the spring before it can be completed. A parade of vehicles from the year the bridge was built until now is being discussed. So if you have a vintage transportation to enter, contact City Councilwoman Gwen Hoffmann at 870-743-6601.
Mayor Jackson updated the group on the recent visit from Provalus. “The tour of downtown could not have gone better. They are looking at a second building to begin training soon.
Jackson told the group that the FedEx Legacy Group, Pat Brown, Fred Gary, Pat Reed, and Ken Reeves will create an AF Legacy Museum at the former downtown fire station. The museum will house the R1, a restored road tractor presented to Sheridan Garrison on the company’s 20th anniversary. The Fireman’s Wall of Honor will also remain on display.
The group discussed the Bennett Building (formerly Dollar General) and the Old Federal Building. “There are federal and state tax credits that go with the Old Federal Building,” Jackson said.
There is a new leather shop, formerly where Bella Dona’s was located.
The HHBA has voted to rent a billboard a few miles south of town, encouraging motorists to visit the downtown area.
Jackson also told the group that the former Harold’s Apco was under contract and that a national brand restaurant was interested in the half-acre.
The question about upstairs living spaces was asked, and the currently occupied ones were identified.
The next HHBA meeting is set for February 16, 2026, in the Signature Bank Community Room at 6 p.m.
