An update from Main Street Fort Smith indicates more than $4 million in announced and documented downtown property developments in the first half of 2026. The report also notes three new downtown businesses and two expanded businesses in the January-June period.
The update notes that more than $4.3 million in documented and committed downtown property and infrastructure development, with $1.12 million coming from building improvements and $1.72 million from downtown property sales. The report also identified $119,393 in additional funding and contracted support secured – including grants, private sponsorships, and strategic partnerships – for downtown development efforts.
Other benefits, according to the report, include $82,249 in downtown property investment generated through the first year of a mini-grant program. According to Main Street, the mini-grant program generated approximately $7.48 in total property investment for every $1 awarded through the program. Downtown projects included facade painting, exterior lighting, historic wood repair, signage and other exterior improvements.
Matching grants ranged between $1,500 and $7,500. 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 comply with city of Fort Smith form-based codes.
“I’m especially proud of the public and private investment through our first year of the Mini Grant Program,” Amanda Hager, executive director of Main Street Fort Smith, told Talk Business & Politics. “We want the dollars Main Street Fort Smith invests to be a catalyst for additional investment downtown. The $11,000 awarded from Main Street Fort Smith helped generate more than $82,000 in total property investment. When you pair that with more than $4.3 million in overall investment documented or committed downtown so far this year, it shows there is continued confidence in downtown Fort Smith and a willingness to invest in its future.”
The mini-grant program is in its second year. Applications closed Sept. 1, with awards to be announced Sept. 15.
The Main Street report also included the following items.
• 3 new downtown businesses were launched – Social Vibes Studios, Serious Fiber, Old Fort Cards and Collectibles.
• 2 existing businesses expanded into larger downtown spaces – 10th Street Bookery, and Olen & Co. Market.
• $66,400 in grants were secured, including $30,000 from the Main Street Arkansas downtown revitalization grant, $28,000 from the Levitt Family Foundation for the downtown music series, and an $8,400 general operating grant from the Arkansas Arts Council.
• 100 volunteer hours were contributed to support downtown Fort Smith projects and events.
Main Street also continues to build on and maintain information on downtown properties.
“Following the district expansion, Main Street began a floor-by-floor property inventory and an exterior assessment to identify vacancies and opportunities for
façades, storefronts, murals, public art and preservation investment,” the report noted. “Better information helps direct resources where they can make the greatest impact.”
BACKGROUND
The Fort Smith Board of Directors voted 6-1 in February approved a $150,000 contract with Main Street Fort Smith, The annual support was originally approved in 2023.
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. It was established in 1984 to support Arkansas’ traditionally commercial areas. 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.
Link here for a PDF of the 2026 update from Main Street Fort Smith.
