Economic Development in Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Glenna Booth, Economic Development Coordinator and City Preservation Officer, Office of the Mayor, 479 253-9703

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Our Vision of Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Eureka Springs is.

The defined image of the arts and cultural heritage destination for Arkansas

A vibrant arts community centered in a picturesque Ozark Mountain haven that is recognized as:

A historic town listed as Nationally Significant on the National Register of

Historic Places by the National Park Service.

One of Americas Dozen Distinctive Destinations, National Trust for Historic

Preservation

A Preserve America Community

One of 100 Best Art Towns in America in all editions of the book by John Villani

One of Top 25 Arts Destinations by American Style Magazine, 2005 -- 2009

A community that prides itself on protecting the integrity of its neighborhoods, nature,

personality and history, while being open to planned, compatible growth,

The Mid-America regional destination of choice for travelers seeking an open

environment where individuals can freely express their personal passions,

Where arts and cultural heritage experiences enrich local, regional residents

and visitors through diverse discovery and life-long learning opportunities,

A year-round destination offering:

Entertainment in the streets and parks day and night,

Historic architecture set amid awesome natural beauty,

A welcoming air of small-town ambience and safety,

Activities for families of all sizes and generations, artists of all media, eco-

adventurers, romantic couples and those who just want to relax into an

easier life for a while.

Prepared by the Mayor‚ÄöTask Force to Develop and Promote the Arts and Cultural Heritage Assets of Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Spring 2006.

GOALS OF THIS OFFICE

Goal 1: To Develop and Promote The Arts and Cultural Heritage Assets of

Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Marketing the arts & cultural heritage assets of greater Eureka Springs:

1. Eureka Springs was chosen as one of the case studies for the Creativity in the Natural State, a recently published study of the economic impact of the creative industries conducted by Regional Technology Strategies, Inc. for the Arkansas Arts Council. http://www.rtsinc.org/

2. This office is working on a several cultural heritage projects funded by a Preserve America grant: photographic walking tour booklets, podcasts, website, photographic exhibits, wayfinding banners, historic photographs in trolleys, guided walking tours. New in 2010:90 minute walking tours which will include parts of the Eureka Springs Underground and street theatre re-enactmenst of lively historical events.

3. Visit our history website which includes information and photographs of the Automobile Age and US Route 62 as well as the turn-of-the-centruy downtown core. http://www.eurekaspringsthenandnow.org/

Creation of an Arts District on North Main Street.

1. Based on a study of the UA Walton College of Business & Economic Research, Establishing an Arts and Culture District in Eureka Springs: Economic Development Implications and Proposed Actions. Funded by the Community Development Partnership of Western Carroll County, 2004.

2. Working with groups and individuals interested in relocating and/or developing in the Arts District.

3. Assisting the Main Stage Creative Community Center with opening a multi-use black box theatre and meeting venue in the historic Bergdorf Grocery Building to serve as an anchor for this neighborhood.

Eureka Springs Downtown Network

Eureka Springs has been accepted into the Main Street Arkansas Downtown Network, a proven program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation designed to enhance commercial revitalization of the downtown central business district.

The geographic area of the program will be:

South Main Street, North Main Street, Spring Street to Crescent Spring, Center Street.

This program that has four standing committees:

Design: improving the downtown image by enhancing its physical appearance

Organization: builds consensus and cooperation between the groups that play roles in the downtown

Promotion: marketing downtown‚Äö unique characteristics and creating a positive image through retail promotional activities, special events and ongoing programs

Economic Developmemt: strengthening the existing economic base of downtown while diversifying it.

Eight Guiding Principles of Main Street:

1. Comprehensive; 2. Incremental; 3. Self-Help; 4. Public/Private Partnership

5. Identifying and Capitalizing on Existing Assets; 6. Quality;

7. Change; 8. Action Oriented

Membership is open to anyone interested in strengthening our Historic Downtown Business District.

Goal 2: To Coordinate with Other Local and State Economic Development Efforts

This office is active in promoting economic development on a city, county and regional basis. We also coordinate and work with the Arkansas Economic Development Commission to recruit and retain attractions and to diversify our local economy with more year-round businesses and industries.