BRINGING LIFE TO DOWNTOWN FORT SMITH
OUR PROJECTS
INVEST. BEAUTIFY. REVITALIZE.
INVEST FORT SMITH
2023 Date TBA
Invest Fort Smith is an annual, one day conference designed to build awareness of downtown economic development opportunities. Invest Fort Smith is a partnership with UAFS Center for Economic and AR Small Business & Technology Development Center, and is held during Global Entrepreneurship Week. Invest Fort Smith is Free!
PROPELLING DOWNTOWN FORWARD
Doing What’s Needed
The Propelling Downtown Forward initiative is directed by 64.6 Downtown to foster downtown economic development. The masterplan includes sustainable growth in retail, attainable residential, increased bikeability, walkability and cultural spaces downtown.
The Propelling Downtown Forward initiative encompasses an in-depth analysis of previous downtown and city plans. In recent years, the emphasis has been placed in the Downtown corridor at the request of Fort Smith citizens. Propelling Downtown Forward complements the Future Fort Comprehensive Plan with a planning design that is executable while incorporating neighborhood stabilization and economic development.
GARRISON COMMONS
Placemaking
From a burned out and empty lot, to Fort Smith's only pocket park. Established in 2015, Garrison Commons offers a unique, outdoor entertainment and event experience, with food trucks, greenspace, and more!
913 Garrison Avenue
THE UNEXPECTED
Bringing urban and contemporary art to Arkansas
Over 35 artworks in our outdoor art gallery.
![unexpected_social_profile_image[1].png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5ad716_92e347035a434910b34b081eb4a1a1a8~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_460,h_460,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/5ad716_92e347035a434910b34b081eb4a1a1a8~mv2.png)
GATEWAY PARK
Creative Placemaking
Gateway Park is a beautifully landscaped park that incorporates three statues of figures with historical significance to Fort Smith.
Isaac C. Parker, Frontier Judge & Community Leader, represents law and order in the late 1800’s and was an advocate for education of all and women’s rights. Judge Isaac Parker will be joined by John Carnall, who represents public education, and Sister of Mercy Mother Superior Mary Teresa Farrell, who represents the establishment of health care during that time in our history.
Gateway Park is a gathering place for residents and visitors to learn about the contributions of all three leaders to our community. The park deed was transferred from 64.6 Downtown to the City of Fort Smith in October 2019.
The three sculptures were designed by figurative bronze sculptor Spencer Schubert of Schubert Design. www.esschubert.com
MALCOLM LONDON X ESCAPE TONES
Bringing Chicago to Fort Smith
Chicago activist, artist and rapper Malcom London joined Fort Smith's favorite fusion funk band, Escape Tones for a one night only engagement set in the historic New Theatre.
