This past month, more than 130 residents, property and business owners, and other community leaders gathered at Signature Bank of Arkansas for the Downtown Rising: Opportunity Summit, a powerful reminder of just how far our downtown revitalization efforts have come in the last two years.
What began when I appointed an eight-member Downtown Strategies Committee in early ‘24 has grown into a weekly working, highly committed group focused on transforming the heart of Harrison. This committee operates under the Historic Harrison Business Association. Through a grant from the Northwest Arkansas Economic Development District, we partnered with Retail Strategies, a firm specializing in downtown revitalization. After conducting community surveys, meeting with stakeholders, and studying our challenges, we developed a five-year Strategic Plan, which we began implementing earlier this year.
New Structures Supporting Old Structures
A major outcome of this process has been the City Council’s creation of the Historic Harrison Commission, which will help property owners navigate renovations of our older structures, especially those affected by floodplain restrictions. Revitalizing these buildings will still be challenging and costly, but this new commission will help make the process more manageable and predictable for investors and builders.
A Downtown on the Rise
At the Opportunity Summit, I had the opportunity to report on recent developments Downtown. The momentum is noticeable. Several new businesses have opened around the Square, including new restaurants, an additional boutique, and a leather and crafts shop that just recorded its best month ever after moving downtown. After years when businesses drifted away from the Square toward the four-lane, we are now seeing the opposite: businesses returning and thriving.
Harrison was also recently approved as an Arkansas Main Street city, opening the door to new grants and support. A board of directors has been established, and a part-time Main Street Director will soon be hired to work directly with downtown businesses and owners, helping to coordinate continued revitalization in accordance with the Strategic Plan. In 2026, Main Street Harrison will focus on enhancing building facades.
Last month, we celebrated the planting of a live Christmas tree on the Square; new string lighting has been hung, and the installation of a music system, a joint project of the City and the CVB, is expected to be completed by year’s end.
The historic Old Federal Building is once again on the market, presenting a tremendous redevelopment opportunity. Today, two buildings on the Square and two just off the Square are available for purchase.
The Provalus Story
One of the most engaging parts of the Opportunity Summit came when Harrison Regional Chamber of Commerce President Jeffrey Nielsen, walked the audience through the complete story of how Harrison successfully landed Provalus, an information technology services company with a mission to locate in and help revitalize small towns. He explained the early outreach from the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, the detailed due diligence process, and how the City, Chamber, and other community partners worked together to position Harrison as the ideal location.
Nielsen highlighted how the availability of the old Walters building on the southeast corner of the square became the key that made the deal possible. Without that building, Provalus simply could not have committed to locating here.
Nielsen also emphasized the long-term value Provalus will bring:
High-quality professional jobs
Increased daytime foot traffic Downtown
Added demand and support for restaurants, shops, and service businesses
A stronger talent pipeline for local students and young adults
Positive momentum for additional tech and remote work employers
The message was clear: bringing Provalus to Harrison represents not just a single win, but a foundational step in transforming the economic landscape of Downtown Harrison.
Insights From the Experts
A panel of four specialists joined the Opportunity Summit to discuss issues such as floodplain regulations, code enforcement, and the newly formed Historic Harrison Commission. One major takeaway was how the City Council’s decision to adopt the International Existing Building Code (IEBC) will make rehabilitating historic properties easier (not easy) and possibly less expensive than under previous standards, while still ensuring safety.
Finally, attendees viewed a presentation by two Little Rock experts outlining the significant state and federal historic tax credits available for the redevelopment of buildings in the Courthouse Historic District. Combined, these credits can reimburse up to 55% of eligible improvement costs, a benefit many property owners and developers had not previously known about. Plans are underway to bring these experts back to meet directly with interested owners/developers.
A Strong Showing of Community Support
The summit lasted exactly two hours and, as a testament to its value, very few people left early. The atmosphere was energetic, helped by the generosity of Six Sisters Coffee & Crêpes and Boba Joes, Downtown businesses that provided complimentary drinks.
It was encouraging to look out over the audience and see people fully engaged: listening, learning, and taking to heart the opportunities ahead for our Downtown. The turnout exceeded expectations, reaffirming that this community is ready and eager for Downtown revitalization.
The day following the Opportunity Summit, the city received multiple calls — among them were two from individuals considering opening businesses downtown and one from a prominent builder interested in purchasing and restoring a historic property.
A Look Ahead
Next year promises to be a defining one for Downtown Harrison. Highlights include:
The opening of Provalus
The opening of the new Main Street bridge over Crooked Creek will include a dedication ceremony and a parade of vintage vehicles.
In concert with the 250th anniversary of the US, the celebration of Harrison’s 150th Anniversary.
A busy season at the Creekside Community Center, with tournaments nearly every weekend.
A busy concert season at the new Creekside Amphitheater, including several free events.
Replacement of several lamp posts that have been knocked down in the past; replacement of street lights with new LED bulbs; replacement of faded lamp post globes.
Replacement of the flashing red stop lights on the west side of the Square with safe and attractive stop signs.
Installation of cameras to improve safety Downtown.
Installation of a Historic District arch on Prospect Street at the Dry Jordan Creek bridge.
Installation of Historic District wayfinding signage by ARDOT.
The opening of the new TJMaxx in the former Big Lots location, which will draw additional visitors to Harrison, including Downtown.
And continued implementation of our five-year Strategic Plan
As more visitors come to Harrison — whether for events, tournaments, or new retail options, we hope they will take the time to visit Downtown, dine locally, and support our small businesses.
Downtown Harrison is rising, and the best is yet to come! As always, thank you for letting me serve as your Mayor!
Jerry Jackson moved to the community in 1980 and was voted Mayor in 2018. He ran and won re-election in 2022. Email the Mayor's Office to contact the mayor’s office.