Project made possible by public and private partnerships 

The Conway Area Chamber of Commerce has unveiled plans for an attractive new entryway to downtown Conway. Rogers Plaza will be located at Oak and Court Streets and is named after the Earl Rogers family, who donated the property to the city of Conway. 

“Rogers Plaza is the perfect example of public and private partnership,” said Jeff Standridge, chairman of the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce board of directors. “The family donated the property – for which we are very thankful; the city and A&P Commission provided funds for construction; and the Chamber, Conway Downtown Partnership and Conway Development Corporation work together to provide vision and support.” 

Rogers Plaza will feature brick and concrete pavers, a fountain and an archway that will serve as a gateway to the downtown area. Mayor Tab Townsell said the aesthetically pleasing plaza is part of creating a quality of place that will appeal to residents and visitors. View architectural renderings of Rogers Plaza.

“Quality of life is important but is intensely personal. My quality of life is different from your quality of life,” Townsell said. “But the one thing we as city, Chamber and A&P Commission can control is quality of place.” 

The plaza is part of an ongoing effort to invest in and revitalize downtown Conway and is one goal of Conway2025, the community’s long-range strategic plan. Brad Lacy, president and CEO of the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce, said Conway2025 was not just an exercise; it is a plan the Chamber and its community partners are committed to implementing goal by goal. 

“We’re grateful to the city council for investing in projects that make a difference in our ability to recruit companies here,” Lacy said. “In addition, we are thankful to the A&P Commission for recognizing an opportunity to promote the city in a different way.” 

Mary Louise Rogers, the wife of the late Earl Rogers, attended the announcement on April 5 and said she bugged her husband for years about donating the property. 

“Thank you all for your hard work,” Mrs. Rogers said. “I’m probably the happiest person in the room.”