A message from Marge Wolf, President of Main Street Rogers
Welcome
to Main Street Rogers Web Site!
As you enjoy our site we want you to also take with you the feeling of
pride and heritage that Main Street Rogers experiences everyday.
From our wonderful historic roots to the National Honor that was
bestowed on us in 2004 as one of five “Great American Main Streets” in
the Nation.
Let me tell you a little about our program and accomplishments.
Rogers, Arkansas implemented the Main Street program after being
selected as a pilot city by the Main Street Arkansas program in 1984.
Since its inception there have been 95 facades restored or
rehabilitated. Close to $13 million has been invested and re-invested in
properties and businesses in the downtown area - which coincides with
the boundaries of the city’s Historic Walnut Street District.
This district was enlarged in 1993. Existing businesses expand upstairs
property monthly to accommodate downtown residential needs. Recruitment
of new business is on going.
In 2002-2003 over 40 new businesses have opened in the downtown, with a
loss of only 13 old businesses - 2 due to retirement after 60 years of
business in downtown. Retail space in the district is 98% occupied.
Office space is 95% occupied. Rents in this district range from $8 to
$12 per sq. foot as opposed to 1984 when they rented for 40 cents a sq.
foot.
There are 223 businesses and 2500 employees, 485 students, 3 churches
with congregations totaling 1,930 people, 9 restaurants and clubs, and
live theater in a ˝ mile square that includes our Historic Downtown
keeping it vital and alive. With modern emphasis on short term financial
success, creating a preservation ethic within a community is not always
an easy path to follow.
The City of Rogers has embraced these ideals and demonstrated their
support through financial contributions for the past twenty years.
MSR has been at the forefront of the battle against sprawl in the
fastest growing area of the state. As community leaders become more
aware of the importance of historic preservation and downtown
revitalization they look to historic downtown Rogers and the Main Street
program as a model for community development. Through education efforts,
MSR continues to convince the community that a strong downtown area
enhances the community’s vitality and viability - thus community
revenue.
Since the beginning of our program in 1984, MSR has provided a benchmark
for Main Street programs in the state of Arkansas, through the
leadership of dedicated and committed local volunteers and a creative
talented staff.
Rogers has developed an atmosphere in its downtown area that is
conducive to creating a sense of place. We continually work in all areas
of downtown revitalization, striving to respect our heritage, to guide
our building owners in design guidelines, to build the image of
downtown, to assist our businesses in effective marketing, and to make
sound decisions which benefit the entire community.
MSR is also a leader in blending historic preservation with new
technology to ensure that the program will continue to thrive in the
future. Our award winning Virtual Frisco Festival and our MSR web site
are excellent examples of these efforts. We are collaborating with local
partners on heritage tourism so that each of our groups will benefit
from the others with a coordinated marketing plan.
Come and visit our downtown and the rest of our city. We're all waiting
to meet you!
Welcome
to Main Street Rogers Web Site!
The City of Rogers has embraced these ideals and demonstrated their
support through financial contributions for the past twenty years. 
