JOHNSON COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS
NEW EATS, NEW BUSINESS, NEW RECREATION...CHECK OUT WHAT'S COMING!
THE LEVEE PARK WELCOMES FINAL PHASE DESIGN
The history of this space has been frequently changing over the past 5 years. In 2018 the City of Clarksville cleaned the space up and removed debris from the remanence of the old laundry mat, leaving only a shell of the building. In early spring of 2019 the first "First Friday" event was held at that space. Seeing the potential for something greater, the city eventually demolished the building shell in 2019 leaving a blank space for the photo you see to the left. Eventually, the amphitheater stage was built and sod was laid, allowing for outdoor events once again. However, new grass and a nice stage wasn't the final vision we all had pictured for this space. In September of 2021, T-Mobile awarded Clarksville with the Hometown Grant (one of 25 in the nation to win). With this $50,000 grant, the final phase, which you see in the rendering photo, was made possible. In January of 2022, plans to bring this space up to its full potential began and the construction work is currently underway! EXPECTED COMPLETION DATE: APRIL 2022 |
ARKANSAS CYCLE WORKS BUILDING FINDS NEW LIFE
Thanks to local realtor, Matt Hurst, the old Arkansas Cycle Works building will live to see a new era. The history of those walls could probably tell countless stories if they could talk, and thankfully will be able to continue to do so with his plans of a new restaurant coming to downtown Clarksville. Nestled against the levee wall, just across the street from The Levee Park, this location will serve as a prime space for entertainment, good food, and great conversation. The plans are in the works for a unique dinning experience, bringing more variety to the heart of our community. We are so excited for this project! EXPECTED COMPLETION DATE: 2023 |
U of O SEEKS OPPORTUNITY IN JOCO RECREATION
With new mountain bike trails in the works (mentioned below), the need for a bike shop is also present in our community. The University of the Ozarks sees that need and are working to fulfill it. With a unique spin on what their Bike Shop will offer, this new project is sure to serve a variety of community members and tourists that visit our area! EXPECTED COMPLETION DATE: TBD |
RIDEOUTS SEE POTENTIAL IN OLD McKENNON BUILDING
Though this building is full of surprises, Doug, his wife Shelly, and their team see major potential in this giant downtown staple. Currently the project is on pause, but with Doug and Shelly's optimism and persistence, the opportunities in this huge structure are endless. Doug and Shelly have made South Fulton and College Avenue their business home in Clarksville, and hope to continue to expand their developments. Check back here or stop in at their Downtown Piney Bay Coffee location for updates! EXPECTED COMPLETION DATE: TBD |
CITY FORGES PATH FOR JOHNSON CO. HISTORICAL SOCIETY
In 2021, the Johnson County Historical Society building, located in downtown Clarksville, started suffering structural issues. Within a short time those issues became so severe that the Historical Society was asked to move from the building and close until further inspection could be done. Like many old buildings in downtowns, this one was suffering from the hands of time. After inspection, the cost of repairs was noted to be too steep for the non-profit, leaving many questions such as: "Where would they relocate to? What will happen to the building?". Knowing the importance of Johnson County's history and its relevance to community and tourists, the city council passed the motion at February 2022's meeting, allowing the city to gain possession of the structure, which would enable the opportunity to save it. In addition to that motion, a 25 year lease agreement was granted, allowing the Historical Society to stay in the building, once the construction repairs needed are done, in the agreeance that they would be responsible for all utility expenses and would make all reasonable efforts to assist in any maintenance projects exceeding $5,000 on the building. EXPECTED COMPLETION DATE: TBD |
LAKE LUDWIG: HOME TO NEW BIKE TRAILS
Recreation plays a key role in our community, and Johnson County is home to some of the grandest views, most beautiful trails, and absolute perfect places to get lost. Nestled at the foothills of the Ozark Mountains, adventurous opportunity is abundant here. In 2021, The City of Clarksville's Vision 21 passed, allowing for expansion to our recreational facilities. Included in that vision was an addition of 12 miles of bike trails located along Clarksville's Lake Ludwig. Ranging from beginner to expert skill level, these trails are anxiously awaiting thrill seekers, nature lovers, and athletes from all over. Construction is currently underway on these trails, and will be completed before we know it! EXPECTED COMPLETION DATE: EARLY SUMMER 2022 |
MARVIN VINSON MULTI-PURPOSE BUILDING EXPANSION
As a part of Vision 21, one of the goals is to create more opportunity for our younger community. Serving as a hub for basketball tournaments, pickle ball games, swimming, running, and other other activities in our community, the Marvin Vinson Center is in need of an expansion to allow for more opportunities for our community. Based off the pictured renderings you can see the plan for an additional two basketball courts, which will serve multiple purposes. In addition to the expansion, the current building will also see some much needed updates and improvements to allow for continuous enjoyment by our community and others traveling to our area. Not only does this create more opportunity for the local citizens, but it also encourages additional sports tournaments, which will bring revenue to our city and county. EXPECTED COMPLETION DATE: TBD |
GROWTH IN SPORTS TOURNAMENTS EXPECTED
Within the plans of Vision 21, the development of a new baseball and softball complex, as well as a new soccer complex, is included. With these facilities making their way to our community our youth, as well as teams from many other areas will be able to enjoy the sports they love. These facilities will be able to welcome baseball, softball, and soccer tournaments, camps, adult softball leagues, and so much more! Athletics are an important part of our community, and region as a whole, so new facilities will serve their purpose for years to come, and also create the opportunity for additional revenue. EXPECTED COMPLETION DATE: TBD |
ALL INCLUSIVE PLAYGROUND WILL BECOME HUGE ASSET
Serving everyone in our community is one of our goals. As a part of Vision 21, the City of Clarksville made sure that an inclusive playground for everyone to enjoy was a prominent piece of the plan. With Vision 21 coupled with a $225K grant the City of Clarksville obtained, this space at Cline Park will accommodate children of varying abilities, allowing them to socialize and play together! EXPECTED COMPLETION DATE: TBD |
CITY OF CLARKSVILLE SEALS THE DEAL WITH ARNING COMPANY: NEW MANUFACTURING COMPANY FINDS HOME IN OLD BALDOR BULDING
"A manufacturer of metal fuel canopies and custom awnings for restaurants and other businesses, will be opening a facility in Clarksville. The company is investing over $5 million in the facility and creating 125 new jobs over five years." (read more) EXPECTED COMPLETION DATE: WINTER/SPRING 2022 |
$18.4 MILLION SCIENCE CENTER NEARS COMPLETION
University of the Ozarks embarked on its largest project to date when announcing the expansion and improvement of the Thomas and Francis Wilson Science Center. "The center will house the university's natural and health science programs, including biology, environmental sciences, chemistry, health sciences, physics and psychology, according to the university's website. University officials say it contains state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories and dedicated research areas. 'It will allow us to not only serve the students we have, but it will allow us to grow in the sciences field,' said Richard Dunsworth, university president." (read more from the NWA Democrat Gazette) The Dedication ceremony: April 9, 2022 EXPECTED COMPLETION DATE: SPRING 2022 |
LOVE'S NESTLES IN AT EXIT 57, ALONG I-40 AND CRAWFORD
Ground broke in late 2021 as Love's Travel Center began making headway on their new Clarksville location. The center will bring multiple amenities to service those traveling I-40. Currently construction is moving a long quickly, and though there is not a set completion date yet, this project will soon be able to service Clarksville, Johnson County, and those traveling east and west along the interstate. EXPECTED COMPLETION DATE: TBD |
PINEY BAY COFFEE OPENS 3RD LOCATION IN CLARKSVILLE ON ROGERS ST.
- COMPLETED FEBRUARY 2022 |
LEVEE WALL RAISING COMPLETED BY CITY W/ $1 MILLION GRANT - SET TO ELIMINATE FLOOD INSURANCE FOR DOWNTOWN CLARKSVILLE
- COMPLETED EOY 2021 |
TRAILS MADE SAFER BY CITY BY REROUTING UNDER DOWNTOWN BRIDGES
- COMPLETED EOY 2021 |
As a Main Street America Affiliate™, Clarksville - Johnson County Chamber of Commerce is part of a national network of more than 1,200 neighborhoods and communities who share both a commitment to creating high-quality places and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development.
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