Overview & Objectives
The Conway Downtown Partnership Downtown Revitalization (DTR) Grant is offered by the Conway Downtown Partnership, through a grant made possible by Main Street Arkansas and the Arkansas Department of Heritage.
This program is offered to downtown business and property owners who desire to make improvements to their buildings and preserve the historical and architectural value of these downtown structures. The goal of the grants is to promote revitalization and offer technical and financial assistance to assure our historic buildings, landmarks and district are preserved, maintained, and rehabilitated properly. Historic preservation is about maintaining a mindset
that purposes to preserve or restore those architectural elements that help tell our community’s story for many future generations to come.
The DTR program has been designed to encourage architecturally appropriate
improvements to commercial buildings. The intent is to provide a better design through preservation and use of higher quality products. The goal is to promote the attraction and retention of business operations and enhance the interest in visiting the downtown area. Crowded sidewalks indicate healthy economic activity and a safe environment for people to visit and enjoy. Property owners and business owners who utilize the grant program are investing in the downtown area and over time that will foster other owners to undertake improvements.
Elegibility & Funding
Any property owner, or occupant of the property with written consent of the property owner to participate in the program, proposing a building redevelopment on a taxable building within a designated geographical area known as the Conway Commercial Historic District (see Appendix A) with 50% or more of its floor space devoted to a commercial use. Property insurance, real estate taxes and City service accounts must be current at the time of application for funding. As well as current partnership in the Conway Downtown Partnership.
During the 2025-26 DTR Grant process, the CDP will award up to $15,000 in 50/50 matching grants. Grant award amounts shall range from $1,500 to $7,500, depending on the total amount requested for eligible projects. The DTR Grant program will budget $10,000- $15,000 for the 2025-26 grant cycle. The reimbursement grant is awarded on receipt of completed project documents (paid receipts). NOTE: An emphasis will be placed on projects that have higher impact to downtown like facade improvements: awnings, exterior paint, masonry, & lighting.
Eligible Expenditures
1.
Awnings appropriate for the façade improvement and architecture
2.
Exterior painting consistent with other downtown buildings in color and tone
3.
Sign removal, replacement or repair must be compatible with other buildings on the block and conform to City of Conway standards
4.
Exterior masonry repair
5.
Repair to exterior facades (front, rear & side facades are eligible)
6.
Murals
7.
Installation, repair or replacement to cornices, doors, windows, decorative detail, awnings, window display lighting
8.
Exterior lighting
9.
Landscaping features (e.g., window boxes or planters)
10.
Removal of barriers to access for people with disabilities
Projects are not limited to these expenditures, so if you have a project that you would like to apply for do not hesitate to complete the application.
Guidelines
Application Requirements
- Detailed description of project, including scope of work, cost estimate(s), rendering(s), proposed material(s), etc.
- Evidence of ownership or owner’s permission
- Current Conway Downtown Partnership member
Note: Incomplete applications will not be considered
Reimbursement Requirements
To receive your grant reimbursement you must present the following to the CDP:
- Current Conway Downtown Partnership member
- Proof of payment for project expenses including tools, materials, and labor
Note: Failure to submit the required documentation will result in non-reimbursement
Preferred Vendors/Contractors
Car-Son Construction
Brian Fason
13203 MacArthur Drive
North Little Rock, AR 72118
(501) 786-0308
bfason@car-son.com
www.car-son.com
Covington Construction
Jason Covington
1053 Front Street
Conway, AR 72032
Office: (501) 329-3357
Mobile: (501) 450-2920
jason.covington@covingtoncompanies.com
www.CovingtonCompanies.net
DKM Construction
Kimberly Morehart
PO Box 1339
Greenbrier, AR 72058
(800) 358-1869
dkm@gmail.com
www.dkmconstructioncompany.com
Nabholz Construction
Brad Hegeman
612 Garland St.
Conway AR, 72032
(877) 622-4659
Brad.Hegeman@nabholz.com
http://www.nabholz.com/
Ozark Mountain Construction
Scott Pelley
1002 Artis Lane
Conway AR, 72034
(501) 450-7538
scott@ozarkmtnco.com
http://www.ozarkmtnco.com/
Salter Construction
Nathan Salter
P.O. Box 11778 Conway, AR 72034
(501) 327-2807
(501) 327-5035
jbrentsalter@salterproperties.com
www.salterconst.com
Review & Approval Process
All applications must be submitted between August. 1, 2025 and Sept. 15, 2025. The project must be completed with all applicable paperwork submitted by May 1, 2026; i.e., paid in full invoice(s) from the contractor(s), credit card statements, cancelled checks, & after photos.
All applicants seeking assistance from the DTR Grant program must have approval from the CDP before project is commenced. Approved projects will be notified by October 15, 2025.
Applicants must present all required documents, along with estimates, to the CDP. All applications will be reviewed by Main Street Arkansas to ensure proper rehabilitation and preservation methods are being met.
The Design Committee, Conway Downtown Partnership Board of Directors and Main Street Arkansas are responsible for making all final funding decisions for the Grant Program. There is no appeal process.
Any questions concerning the Grant Program can be directed to the Conway Downtown Partnership, 900 Oak Street, Conway, AR. 72032, or calling our office at 501-932-5407.