Dear editor:
I am pleased to see friends and neighbors working together to display the district's culture and vitality. As I drive through my district and talk with my neighbors, there is a feeling of change and connection in the air. Residents are excited about the new mural on the Webb Community Center wall (along Gulpha Street). RayShawn McNary, a talented Lakeside graduating senior under the mentoring of Giuseppe Percivati of Italy, painted this beautiful mural entitled "Flower Boy." The mural is an inspiration and RayShawn told The Sentinel-Record that his popular art can be as a means to "help bring down racism" and promote peace. What an uplifting message!
The district is alive with new businesses, each warmly welcomed in our community which include:
• The recently rebuilt Dodge Chicken and Convenience Store at 604 W. Grand.
• 501 Prime, a new restaurant, at 215 E. Grand Ave. opening this summer.
• The new LOX Salon at 500 Malvern Ave.
• The new Gateway Food Truck Park (corner of Malvern Avenue and Creek Street) opening next month.
• The recently relocated Ambrosia Bakery at 307 Broadway St.
• The Superior Bathhouse Brewery's Distribution Center located at 100 Garden St.
It's all about working together and building connections, whether it is The Difference Makers of Hot Springs hosting a town hall meeting and telling area residents about the services offered by various nonprofits; The Gateway Community Association finding grants to pay for many improvements in the district, such as the Webb Center's new shaded pavilion, new sidewalks for people to walk safely and shop on East Grand Avenue and the planned construction of the new Rev. Rice Park Memorial Park on Pleasant Street; and P.H.O.E.B.E's work to restore the John Webb House, which is a must-see building, even with work ongoing.
There are even larger projects that must be mentioned, such as Garland County Habitat for Humanity recently built four new houses in the Pleasant Street Historic District and added unique details on the new homes to protect the historic district's architectural character. The Hot Springs Housing Authority is in the middle of a $20 million-plus renovation of their apartments. And there is excitement for the start of Malvern Avenue revitalization project this fall which will beautify this important roadway into downtown Hot Springs.
Our future is looking brighter and I would be remiss if I did not thank all the businesses, organizations, nonprofits, the city departments and residents for partnering with the community. We are thriving with making connections to each other and all of Hot Springs. I love seeing this and I invite everyone in Hot Springs to enjoy the district's history and experience its sense of pride.
Elaine Jones
District 2
Hot Springs city director
Editorial on 06/16/2018