By B. KAY RICHTER
NEA Town Courier
Assistant Editor
Main Street Blytheville director Cody Wyatt Perrin addressed city committee members Monday during a Parks and Recreation committee meeting at the Justice Complex. According to Perrin, plans are underway for the transformation of the Downtown Patio Project located at 208 West Main Street.
"We are so grateful for that donation, she said. "And that investment that y'all made into this project will ultimately benefit not only just downtown but our entire city."
Perrin said that the nonprofit will be partnering with local industries to make sure all of the materials used are made in Mississippi County.
"We want it to almost be a like a showpiece for the steel industry that we have here and that we are so proud of," she said.
The plans for the project will highlight not only the street view but will offer a view from the second-level balcony.
"If you have never seen the second level of downtown, it's a very beautiful view," Perrin said. "And so we're excited to try to bring that as part of the space.
Additionally, the Downtown Patio Project plans on adding a stage for performances, bathroom facilities, concessions, public art and much more. The project mission states that it plans to transform this property into the social and community hub on Main Street.
"Our organization plans to bring in food vendors and concerts, host a variety of seasonal public events and allow individuals the opportunity to rent the patio for private events," the project description reads. "We believe this will have a substantial impact on not only Downtown Blytheville but our entire community. This project will breathe new life into the district that is so greatly needed and especially will spark inspiration for others to follow."
Part of the issue with the project is dealing with the old exterior building which was rapidly deteriorating.
"There used to be a building there; when you tear it down then that building which was never supposed to see the elements have been exposed," Perrin said. "The brick facade across the front will have to come down because it is causing damage to the corner of the Kress building."
That brick facade is expected to come down next month. The brick-and-mortar repair is the next step of the transformation process.
"The mortar is dust in a lot of places, on the side of the Kress building," she said. "Honestly, we are probably going to have to do a block wall for concrete down for reinforcement."
Perrin said she is planning on going live this week with a brick fundraiser for the downtown project.
"You can buy a brick and put exactly what you want; whether it's your business name or a loved one's name - families will have options. We have small, medium and large packages for everybody but every-one in the community will have the opportunity to put their mark on this space," Perrin said.
The estimated cost of the project currently sits at $250,000 without donated materials.
"So it's a costly thing, but we believe the investment will have not only a community aspect of benefit but will also bring commerce to downtown," she said.
Businesses, organizations and individuals who would like to know more about the Patio or donate services, materials, or gifts towards its completion can do so by contacting the Main Street Blytheville director at 870-740-9935 or emailing director@mainstreetblytheville.com
Monetary donations can be mailed to P.O. Box 83 Blytheville, Arkansas 72316 or online through PayPal to @MS-Blytheville. Main Street Blytheville is a designated 501c3 organization and all donations are tax deductible.