During the Greater West Plains Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon Thursday, Downtown Coordinator and West Plains Downtown Revitalization Executive Director Emily Edwards-Long delivered an update on local growth, highlighting new retail occupants, beautification initiatives and community events.
“Downtown’s growth doesn’t happen by coincidence,” Edwards-Long began. “Every moment, every event, every improvement, and success story happens because people like you and I chose to get involved.”
She praised the business owners, investors, current and past board members, volunteers and residents who shop, dine and work downtown for driving the area's momentum.
“It’s where stories unfold and where our community becomes visible,” Edwards-Long said. “When downtown is active and welcoming, it sends a message that this place matters.”
Recent progress includes the Downtown Vendors & Arts at 1 Court Square — the longtime home of Aid Hardware and the former Aid Antique Mall. The Bookshop recently opened at 5 Court Square, while Thunder Lizard pet shop opened nearby at 46 Court Square. Other recent additions include Asher + Co. boutique and Salon Golden on Washington Avenue, and Shenanigans music venue in Luster Arcade.
In 2023, Long noted, downtown West Plains had 32 vacant buildings. Today, only eight remain empty. Addressing common questions regarding parking, she pointed out that downtown features 1,265 free parking spaces within 570 feet of most businesses — roughly the distance of a walk from the back of the West Plains Walmart’s parking lot to the back of the store.
Balancing modernization — with an eye toward customer experiences — with historical preservation remains a core focus. To that end, West Plains Downtown enlists the expertise of developers, data gatherers, and historic preservation experts.
The downtown district includes 46 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A partnership with West Plains Bank will assist property owners with facade renovations and entryway improvements.
Historically, downtown areas nationwide suffered with the advent of big-box retail chains which allowed for one-stop shopping. As storefronts emptied, family-owned businesses such as groceries, restaurants and theaters gave way to franchises in new retail developments away from downtowns and closer to highways. In response, organizations began working to preserve and renew downtown locales.
The “Main Street Project” which eventually became the Main Street America organization is one such effort. Beginning with just three communities in 1977, it has expanded to include more than 2,000 communities nationwide.
As an affiliate member of the Missouri Main Street Connection — a state program patterned after Main Street America — West Plains Downtown Revitalization uses state resources to fill retail spaces, create jobs and upgrade public infrastructure. The nonprofit organization has earned several local and state awards for its efforts.
Community engagement initiatives include Civic Spruce workdays on the first Saturday of each month, where volunteers clean streets and sidewalks, plant flowers and paint alley murals. A pollinator garden was recently installed in partnership with the Missouri Department of Conservation and South Fork Elementary School.
Upcoming events include monthly Downtown Strolls held the first Thursday of each month through November, leading into the annual Christmas tree lighting on Dec. 1. During the strolls, businesses extend their offers and offer specials and activities. The Back Lot live music series continues on the third Thursday of each month, with the last two performances of the season scheduled for Aug. 20 and Sept. 17.
Additionally, a new street banner sponsorship program will give local businesses year-round exposure while helping fund future district projects.
The “big picture” shows a retail and entertainment area to serve generations to come, Edwards-Long emphasized.
“When we invest in downtown we’re not just investing in buildings or events, we’re investing in people,” Edwards-Long said. “We’re helping young people feel connected, helping them see opportunity and believe they can build something here. A strong downtown tells people they belong here.”
She pointed out that every dollar spent downtown supports local businesses, and every building improvement inspires a prospective investor to feel confident in bringing their business downtown.
“If you want to attract businesses, visitors and talent, it starts with downtown,” she concluded.
