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ConwayPROGRESS REPORT

Economic Development . Health Care . Education

. SPECIAL REPORTA supplement to Arkansas Business • Vol. 29, No. 51, December 17, 2012

2 CONWAY PROGRESS REPORT

The Conway StoryEven a brief look at the exciting developments detailed in this insert will tell you

that Conway is a city in the midst of a great change. Over the last decade it has gotten younger, larger, more well planned and more economically vibrant. What the insert doesn’t show is that these changes have been in the making for almost 100 years. The Conway story is one of ambition, independence and intentional growth.

Not long after incorporating, Conway’s citizens made the strategic decision to pursue institutions of higher education as their own unique form of economic development. Today, we have three colleges and universities that contribute daily to our economy and quality of life. More than 50 years ago, our economic development corporation began assembling the land for Arkansas’s fi rst industrial park along Interstate 40. That park, and several developed with the same model, still help provide Faulkner County with more than 40,000 jobs and the 13th fastest job growth in America.

In Conway, the only thing that hasn’t changed over the last 100 years is the citizens’ love for their community, a can-do attitude and a spirit of partnership. Enjoy this snapshot of our community. The good news detailed here is a testament to the strength and sustainability of Faulkner County’s economy. But it is only the latest chapter of the Conway story and a preview of things to come.

Brad LacyPresident and CEOConway Area Chamber of Commerce

Conway Corporation Business ServicesSavings and convenience without sacrificing quality

Conway Corporation understands keeping in touch with customers is a top priority. That’s why we offer top-notch Business Telephone and Internet service backed by our local customer service department. We’ve recently expanded our Business Services

team, and Account Executive Eleise Wood Myers is here to help your business maximize its performance. Call Eleise today at 501-548-3056 to find the best

broadband solution to fit your telephone, Internet and cable needs.

Proud to provide Conway’s Electric, Water, Cable, Internet and Telephone services

501-450-6000www.conwaycorp.com

National Recognition for Conway 2011/2012

• 7th Best Value City,

Kiplinger

• 14th Best City for Young

Professionals,

Forbes

• 14th Cheapest City in the US,

Bloomberg Business week

• 100 Leading Locations:

Desirable Places for Doing

Business,

Area Development Online

• 40 Strongest U.S. Metro

Economies,

Forbes

• 10 Cheapest Cities in the

Country,

Yahoo! Homes

• Best Places For Business and

Careers,

Forbes

• 13th Highest Percentage of Job

Growth in the United States,

CNNMoney

• 25 Best Places to Retire,

CNNMoney

ConwayPROGRESS REPORT

CNNMoney

Conway

ConwayProgress rePort

Economic Development . Health Care . Education

.

SPECIAL REPORT

A supplement to Arkansas Business • Vol. 29, No. 51, December 17, 2012

A SUPPLEMENT TO ARKANSAS BUSINESS 3

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Left to right:

Jim Murphy, Vice President and Commercial Loan Officer

Ritchie Howell, Community President

Brian Atkins (seated), Commercial Loan Officer

600 Salem Road, Conway, AR 501-329-7070

From living space to retail opportunities, Conway is welcoming several new commercial construction projects, some that are unique to the area and to Arkansas.

Conway has been home to one of Arkansas’s fastest growing econo-mies for decades. It has a tradition of growth.

Lately, some of Conway’s most exciting commercial construction projects have capitalized on the trend in neo-traditional and renova-tion architecture. The end products are developments that bring instant excitement to the market but are designed to stand the test of time.

THE VILLAGE AT HENDRIXThe 130-acre new urban devel-

opment is a neighborhood unlike any other in Arkansas. The Village is across the street from Hendrix

College and walking distance from downtown. The development is home to Southwestern Energy’s regional headquarters, 36 single-family homes and 18 row house-style apartments with plans to include 250-300 residences.

At the center of it all is a develop-ing “town square” that includes a bookstore, bank and restaurants like ZaZa’s and Panera.

The Village is early in the process of adding the Market Square South building. The 32,000-SF, mixed-use building will include a regional bank headquarters and new restaurant.

FEDERAL PLAZAFederal Plaza is a LEED certified

office building in the heart of down-town Conway. The 25,000-SF build-ing, located at the intersection of Front and Main Streets, underwent

a full renovation in 2011. Federal Plaza is home to the downtown branch of the Post Office, the Log Cabin Democrat newspaper and PrivacyStar, a new technology com-pany that recently announced plans to add more than 100 employees. The property is managed by Sperry Van Ness/ Nabholz Properties.

THE PLAZZA AT CENTERSTONEThe 35,000-SF Plazza at

Centerstone represents the commer-cial element of the 24-acre, mixed-use Centerstone development in southern Conway.

Located on Dave Ward Drive across from the University of Central Arkansas, Centerstone will be home to more than 350 residen-tial units to complement the office, retail and restaurant space.

The Plazza is home to The Draft,

Pitza42 and Centerstone Family Dentistry. Centerstone is managed by Salter Properties. ■

BUCKING NATIONAL TRENDS

Tradition of GrowthSustainable growth, security through diversity, maybe even a dose of serenity. Faulkner County’s economy offers a sharp contrast to what you are used to seeing and hearing on TV.


StephenS Inc. • MeMber nYSe, SIpc

LIttLe rock, Ar • AtLAntA, GA bAton rouGe, LA • chArLotte, nc DALLAS, tX • FAYettevILLe, Ar JAckSon, MS • nAShvILLe, tn

At Stephens, we understand our continued success results from how clients are treated. With this in mind, our work is done in a manner that demonstrates trust and clear thinking.

For over 75 years, our firm has successfully managed tax exempt issues and financial advisory transactions for Arkansas borrowers. Again in 2012, Stephens led the state in Arkansas tax-exempt issues underwritten. During this same period, we also completed the majority of financial advisory transactions for Arkansas school districts. And while 2012 was another good year, we understand it was possible because of the trust and confidence shown by our fellow Arkansans.

We are continually impressed with the talent and dedication of the men and women who manage Arkansas’ municipalities, hospitals, colleges and universities, school districts, state agencies, counties, utility systems and other governmental organizations. thank you, Arkansas, for your continued confidence in our capabilities.

Little rock 800-643-9691Fayetteville 800-205-8613

Standing from left: bobbie nichols, Jack truemper, chris Angulo, Mark Mcbryde (executive vice president and Director of public Finance), kevin Faught & Michael Mcbryde

Seated from left: Lindsey ollar, carey Smith, Dennis hunt & Michele casavechia

A truSteD ADvISor to our cLIentS

StephenSpubLIcFInAnce.coM

Your key to a smoother closing in ConwayExpertise for a smooth closing

1301 Main Street, Conway, AR 72034501-327-6811

At Lenders Title, our people make the difference. We are proud to be a part of the Conway community and committed to our involvement with the growth and progress of the area. We offer a full line of title insurance and closing services provided by the largest independent title and escrow agency in Arkansas.

Acxiom 2,000Information TechnologyStock price up 75% over last 12 months. Profi ts up 34% in FY13.

University of Central Arkansas 2,000Higher EducationThe new EPIC Program (Entrepreneurship, Public Scholarship,Innovation, Community Engagement) combines Math and Science,Business and Communications under one residential college.

Hewlett-Packard 2,000Sales and Technical Support

Conway Regional Health System 1,330Health CareRecently completed $32 million renovation and expansionproject – the largest in the hospital’s history

Southwestern Energy Company 1,200Natural Gas Exploration

Conway Human Development Center 1,200Institutional Care

Conway Public Schools 1,100EducationOpened a new $40 million high school and a $13 millionelementary school in August.

Walmart (two stores) 825Retail

Kimberly-Clark 600Personal Hygiene ProductsWrapping up a $65 million expansion that included 100 new jobs.

Virco Manufacturing 600School and Office Furniture

Conway’s largest employers

Southwestern Energy Regional Headquarters are located in Conway. The natural gas explo-ration company employs 1,200 and is one of the city’s largest employers.


1500 N. Museum Road, #111Conway, AR 72032

The Department of Workforce Services and the Arkansas Workforce Centers are Equal Opportunity Employers/Programs. Auxiliary aids

and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Voice 1-800-285-1121 TDD 1-800-285-1131

Arkansas Workforce Center at Conway

Making better healthcare a reality.

Since Conway Regional was founded in 1938, our county’s population has more than quadrupled. To meet this growing demand and build a foundation for future growth, we have completed a $32 million addition. It includes eight larger, up-to-date obstetrics rooms and a new surgery department with eight operating rooms and pre- and post-op areas. We’re committed to meeting the demands of our growing community and the healthcare needs of those we serve.

We make a difference by

“expanding to meet theneeds of the community.”

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Demographics

Educational Attainment

4.2%

27.3%

58.2%

10.3%

Population 18 to 24: 13,308

Less than high school

High school graduate

Some college or associate degree

Bachelor's degree or higher

10.6%

24.8%

23.0%6.2%

35.6%

Population 25 and Older: 29,676



Some college, no degree

Associate degree


Co

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Ark

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Demographics

Educational Attainment

4.2%

27.3%

58.2%

10.3%

Population 18 to 24: 13,308



Some college or associate degree


10.6%

24.8%

23.0%6.2%

35.6%

Population 25 and Older: 29,676



Some college, no degree

Associate degree


2,4635,966

1,545339

4,5653,526

3,1761,742

8036,148

5,4773,365

9571,041

0 1,000 2,000 3,000 4,000 5,000 6,000 7,000

Construction Education & Health Services

Financial Services Information

Leisure & Hospitality Local Government

Manufacturing Natural Resources & Mining

Other Services Professional & Business Services

Retail Trade State Government

Transportation, Warehousing & Utilities Wholesale Trade

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Loca l Economy

The economy of Conway and Faulkner County is extremely diverse. More than 65 percent of the county population stay in the county to work each day. Area employers also provide opportunities for workers throughout several other counties in the area. The county is the secondary job market in the Little Rock – North Little Rock – Conway MSA.

Number of Jobs Faulkner County: 41,113

Number of Jobs By Sector

BREAKING IT DOWN

Local Economy and Demographics


With more than 9,400 students in 15 schools, Conway Public School District is the eighth largest in Arkansas. The district has nine elementary schools that serve grades kindergarten-fourth grade, four middle schools for grades five-seven, one junior high school for grades eight-nine and one high school for grades 10-12.

Students at Conway High School-West began the school year in a new, three-story, classroom building. The 165,000-SF structure is the first phase of a $40 million reconstruction project for Conway High School-West. The new facility is more than twice the size of the former high school building, providing additional space for classrooms, science laboratories, offices and a lecture hall.

The school year also marked the

opening of the Carolyn Lewis Elementary School. The new, $15 million facility is located on Old Military Road. ConwaySchools.org

ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC SCHOOL For more than 130 years, St. Joseph School has provided quality, Catholic education to students in Conway.

The ultimate goal of the school is to integrate faith and learning in order to develop the whole person: soul, mind and body.

Primary and elementary students score in the proficient range on the Stanford Achievement Test, while ACT scores are well above state and national averages.

More than 90 percent of St. Joseph’s graduates pursue higher education at universities nationwide and through specialized training institutes in various industries. The school is accredited by Arkansas Non-Public School Accrediting Association and is a member of the National Catholic Education Association. StJosephConway.org

CONWAY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Conway Christian School provides

EDUCATION CAPITAL

Conway Makes The Grade With Multiple Education Opportunities

Home to nationally recognized public schools, three colleges and universities and thriving private schools, Conway is Arkansas’s education capital.

Land adjacent to Hendrix College has been developed into The Village at Hendrix, a New Urbanist neighborhood featuring the Hendrix Creek Preserve, a unique ecological and recreational space.

Founded in 1907, the University of Central Arkansas has the fourth-largest university enroll-ment in Arkansas and offers 136 academic programs and 80 undergraduate degrees.


a comprehensive education for more than 500 students in preschool-12th grade. Representing more than 65 churches, the school strives to provide an environment where students can grow spiritually, mentally and emotionally.

Conway Christian High School students consistently score high on college entrance exams, and the school boasts multiple National Merit Scholarship finalists.

The school’s athletic and activity programs are part of the Arkansas Activities Association, and all of its sports teams have seen postseason play.

Conway Christian School is accredited by Arkansas Non-Public School Accrediting Association and Christian Schools International and its preschool is state licensed. ConwayChristianSchool.org

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS UCA offers 136 academic programs, including 80 undergraduate programs, 31 master’s programs and five doctoral degree programs. Faculty and students are involved in the larger community in a variety of ways beneficial to both Conway and the university.

With an enrollment of more than 11,000, UCA’s student body represents 61 countries, 42 states and each county in Arkansas.

Campus life outside academics includes:

more than 200 student organizations;

15 intramural sports activities;a 72,000-SF health, physical

education and recreation (HPER) center with plans for expansion

NCAA Division I athleticsappearances by nationally

known performers, minority and international student programs, theater and art productions, and much

more. UCA.edu

HENDRIX COLLEGE Hendrix College is a national leader engaged in liberal arts and sciences education. With nearly 1,500 students from more than 40 states and many foreign countries, Hendrix is nationally recognized for its innovative curriculum and opportunities for unique engaged learning experiences through Your Hendrix Odyssey: Engaging in Active Learning.

Hendrix recently completed a $100 million comprehensive campaign — the largest fundraising effort in the College’s 135-year history.

Through the campaign, Hendrix significantly increased student financial assistance; endowed academic, co-curricular and student life programs that have become national models in American higher education; and completed state-of-the-art campus facilities, including a new wellness and athletics center and student life and technology center.

In addition to the impact of its faculty, staff and students on the local economy, Hendrix has developed land adjacent to campus into The Village at Hendrix, a New Urbanist neighborhood featuring mixed-use (residential and commercial) spaces.

The Village also provides public green space for community events and new dining, retail and employment opportunities. Hendrix Creek Preserve, a beautiful and one-of-a-kind ecological, educational and recreational space, is open to Village residents and the public.

At no cost, the community can also enjoy all of Hendrix College’s artistic, athletic and cultural entertainment events on the beautiful campus in the center of Conway. Hendrix.edu

CENTRAL BAPTIST COLLEGE Central Baptist College is a four-year, private, liberal arts college owned and operated by the Baptist Missionary Association of Arkansas. The college offers 24 bachelor’s degrees, 20 minors and associate of arts degrees in several emphases.

In the fall of 2011, CBC launched an accredited online degree program. Though the college has offered classes in the distance delivery method for some time, the Online Studies program gives students the ability to earn their entire degree online.

Working adults will be able to study and learn on a flexible schedule.

In addition to increasing its educational offerings, CBC plans to expand its facilities and grow its student body as part of a 10-year campus master plan.

The goal of “Vision 2020: A Miracle in the Making” is to complete 10 major construction projects by 2020 to accommodate a projected enrollment of 2,020 students. The David T. Watkins Academic building opened in the fall of 2012 and is the first major project of the plan. The three-story, 38,000-SF academic building will set the standard for future development on the campus. CBC.edu ■

Central Baptist College opened the $6.2 million David T. Watkins Academic Building featur-ing 13 classrooms, a 100-plus seat lecture hall, adminstrative offices and a computer lab.

The University of Central Arkansas, with an enrollment of more than 11,000, has a student body that represents 61 countries, 42 states and each county in Arkansas.

Athens of the South

A college town since 1890, Conway was historically called “The Athens of Arkansas.” Its three institutions of higher education provide a wealth of academic and cultural opportunities to students and the community at large.


Conway is the secondary job market for the entire central Arkansas metro area. Moving products and people efficiently within this regional economy has a profound impact on the city’s long-term success.

INTERSTATE 40 EXPANSION No roadway affects commerce in

central Arkansas more than Interstate 40. This year, the section of interstate between Conway and Little Rock began to receive its largest investment since its construction more than five decades ago.

Interstate 40 will become a six-lane roadway from Highway 54 (exit 125) to I-430. The additional capacity will make travel within the Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), particularly morning commutes, much more efficient.

THE NEW CONWAY AIRPORTAfter years of planning, dirt finally

began moving at the site of a new airport for the city of Conway. The $25 million project is located in the Lollie Bottoms area in the southwest corner of the city. Once opened, the new airport will replace Conway’s

existing airport in the center of town. The new airport will include a longer runway (5,500 feet) and is located in an area that can accommodate neighboring aviation and commercial needs.

Plans call for the new airport to begin service in August 2014. Once flights transition to the new airport, the existing 180-acre site will offer an exciting, development opportunity in Conway’s commercial center.

VILONIA BYPASSA newly opened, 10-mile, four-

lane highway now allows travelers to bypass the city of Vilonia as they make the trip between Highway 167 in Beebe and Interstate 40 in Conway.

It’s a section of Highway 64 in high demand for freight-hauling tractor trailers. Formerly, traffic passed through the commercial center of Vilonia and its residential areas and schools.

The new bypass serves as an “express lane” for vehicles just passing through eastern Faulkner County and shaves significant time off the trip. The $50 million project opened in October 2011.

THE SOUTHERN INTERCHANGEFaulkner County has added almost

100,000 residents since it last added an exit to Interstate 40. The result has been growing pressure on interstate exits, local streets and highways. The remedy to those problems is already underway. A new, full-service interstate exit is planned for Interstate 40. The exit will be in southern Faulkner County near mile marker 132. The interchange will relieve pressure from the Dave Ward Drive exit, serve The Meadows Technology Park (home to Hewlett-Packard) and stimulate development in southern Conway. Construction on the $28 million project is scheduled to begin in 2013.

Growth may be the norm in Conway. It has been for decades. However, sustained economic growth cannot be taken for granted. It takes planning, preparation and resources. These projects represent Conway’s commitment to quality growth, first class infrastructure and a secure economy. They are an investment in Conway’s long-term success that all residents will soon enjoy. ■

ROADS AND RUNWAYS

Public Projects Paving The Way For Area’s Growth

Highway expansion, a bypass and interchange plus a new airport set to open in 2014 are helping to make Conway more accessible to visitors and residents as well as commercial traffic.

Conway’s new airport is under construction on an 180-acre site in the Lollie Bottoms in the city’s southwest corner. When complete in 2014, the $25 million project will feature a 5,500-foot runway located in an area that can accommodate neighboring aviation.


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Conway by the numbers

With new developments and construction and a thriving educational community, Conway has plenty to offer prospective new residents as well as longtime citizens.

3 ACCREDITED, FOUR-YEAR COLLEGES OR UNIVERSITIES IN CONWAY

15 SCHOOLS IN CONWAY’S PUBLIC SYSTEM

9,400 STUDENTS IN CONWAY’S PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM

25.6 MEDIAN AGE OF CONWAY RESIDENTS

$63, 860 CONWAY’S MEDIAN FAMILY INCOME

1,854 BABIES BORN AT CONWAY REGIONAL LAST YEAR

47 WAGE INCREASE PERCENTAGE FOR FAULKNER COUNTY RESIDENTS THE PAST 10 YEARS

1,500 NEW JOBS CREATED IN FAULKNER COUNTY FROM 2009-2010

8,000 APPROXIMATE NUMBER OF NEW JOBS CREATED IN FAULKNER COUNTY SINCE 2000

2014 YEAR CONWAY’S NEW AIRPORT IS PROJECTED TO OPEN


FRONT AND CENTER.

ADAM PRICE, PRE-MED

� e University of Central Arkansas has given me rare opportunities at every turn. Here, I’m able to do nanotechnology research as an undergrad, on a campus that is close to home and feels like home. UCA put me, and my education,

DON’T JUS T MAKE THE GRADE. MAKE YOUR MARK.

FRONT AND CENTER.

ADAM PRICE, PRE-MEDADAM PRICE, PRE-MED

UCA.EDU

In July 2012, Conway Regional opened the doors to its new surgery department and expanded women’s center. The $32 million renovation and expansion project — the largest in the hospital’s history — includes 10,000 SF of renovated space; 85,000 SF of new construction; and more than $5 million in new equipment.

The two-story addition connects to the Barbara Harpe Nabholz Pavilion — home of the Conway Regional Women’s Center — and provides more space for obstetrical, gynecological and surgical treatments

as well as preventative health care services for women.

With the addition of eight new rooms, the women’s center now has 24 obstetrics rooms to accommodate the growing demand of its birthing center.

Last year 1,854 babies were born at Conway Regional — a 25 percent increase in births from a decade ago — with families coming to Conway from throughout north central Arkansas.

Dr. Andrew Cole, an obstetrician/gynecologist and member of the Conway Regional Board of

Directors, said from a birthing and gynecologic standpoint, Conway Regional is one of the nicest facilities

in the state. “We have become a hub in the

area of labor and delivery,” Cole

HOSPITAL EXPANSION

Conway Regional Offers New, High Tech Health Care Space

A $32 million renovation and expansion is the largest in Conway Regional’s history and has helped make the facility a regional hub in the area of labor and delivery.

Conway Regional’s recent expansion, the largest in the hospital’s history, provides more space for obstetrical, gynecological and surgical treatments plus preventive care for women.


Things are looking up.Our new Conway location is opening soon.

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ADVANCED CONNECTIVITYADVANCED CONNECTIVITY

said. “I have patients coming from Marshall, Harrison, Mountain Home — a lot from Russellville. I had one patient who drove from New Boston, Texas, to have her babies here.”

The updated surgical facilities include a new, same-day surgery area and offers physicians enhanced fl exibility in scheduling and use.

It is also the new home of some of the most advanced surgical technology in Arkansas, including the acclaimed da Vinci Robotic Surgical System.

“The new operating rooms and equipment are state of the art,” general surgeon Dr. Lew McColgan said.

“This, along with a new building that will undoubtedly facilitate the effi ciency of care within Conway Regional, is something the hospital and the city of Conway should be very proud to have as it moves to become a more prolifi c medical community.”

Conway Regional Health System is an acute care hospital that provides inpatient and outpatient health care services to Faulkner County and the surrounding area.

Because it is a not-for-profi t hospital, Conway Regional established the community-wide ONE Capital Campaign to raise awareness and funds for the project. The ONE Campaign highlights the connection between Conway Regional and the patients, families and neighbors it serves. ■

Conway Regional Health System is among the city’s largest employers, ranking fourth in the category with 1,330 employees. Conway Regional recently completed a $32 million renovation and expansion project that includes a two-story addition.


The Conway Downtown Partnership transformed the downtown into a hub that offers everything from arts to specialty retail shops.

The effort has paid off.“Downtown Conway is diverse in

terms of what people can do, buy, and see while here,” said Kim Williams, executive director of the Conway Downtown Partnership. “Downtown Conway is booming like never before.” The city’s efforts earned it a 2012 Arkansas Business City of Distinction award for Main Street Preservation.

The roots of Conway’s initiatives date to the mid 1990s when the city created Action for Conway’s Tomorrow. In 2001, that group launched Conway Downtown Partnership, a nonprofit organization that targets the promotion, planning and maintenance of downtown Conway.

One of the Partnership’s first moves was hiring the architectural and urban design firm, Sakal & Hood Inc. of Chicago, to create a master plan of development for downtown Conway.

The result was “Conway 2015: A

Vision for Success,” which provided a blueprint for how to improve the downtown. In 2002, the city of Conway adopted the plan.

“To date, the plan has served as the foundation for development in downtown,” Williams said.

The public and private investors supported the plan.

Here are some of the key projects that helped turn around downtown Conway:

In 2003, the CDP, the city of Conway and the Conway Corp., which owns the city’s utilities, tackled downtown Conway’s first streetscape and public way improvement project. On Front Street, between Main and Oak streets, the developed streetscape includes period lighting, brick pavers, planters and landscaping. The overhead utilities were buried and the drainage was improved. “To date, approximately $1.2 million in streetscape improvements have been completed throughout downtown,” Williams said. The city of Conway recently added improvements to Main Street.

In 2005, Mike’s Place opened in downtown Conway and was one of

the few Conway restaurants allowed to sell alcohol in dry Faulkner County. The restaurant “was the spark that has been a major catalyst in attracting more” restaurants, Williams said. “The success of the $2.5 million, 9,000-SF hot spot was the CDP’s first step in creating a bustling, 24-7 downtown.”

In addition to adding businesses, buildings were renovated.

The CDP bought a vacant building at Oak and Chestnut streets that a fire destroyed in 2003. The Conway retailer Em Jeans-Express Male bought the property and built a $1.2 million flagship store there in 2007.

The former Steel Chevrolet building at Main and Court streets was renovated for $2.7 million in 2008. The 15,000-SF building “brought the building back to its original warehouse style,” Williams said. The building is now home to JJ’s Grill of Conway and the pizza restaurant, Old Chicago.

The Plunkett-Jarrell building renovation took place in 2008 and is now the home of oneChurch and Central Arkansas Baton Twirling

Studio. The city of Conway jumped

into the renovation action and in 2009 developed a 29,000-SF police headquarters.

To boost more development, downtown Conway was designated a Commercial Historic District in 2010. That means property owners could receive Arkansas historic tax credits for their renovations.

Also in the works is a pedestrian and bicycle friends promenade that will connect downtown to Conway High School and Conway Regional Health System, Williams said.

“The future is very bright for downtown Conway,” she said.

The moves have cultivated a sense of pride for Conway residents.

“What I always hear from residents regarding our downtown is that we have a beautiful and vibrant downtown,” Williams said. “When they visit other towns, it makes them so proud because they know our downtown has been preserved and is flourishing while so many have declined, or are nonexistent.” ■

STREET SMART

Vision, Action Lead To Award-Winning Results

In the last decade, Conway’s downtown has received a facelift.

The Conway Downtown Partnership has been in existence since 2001 as part of the Action for Conway’s Tomorrow initiative. The partnership launched a master plan for the downtown area.

2012


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The city was recognized last year by Arkansas Business as a City of Distinction for the automation of its recycling program. This year, in a testament to not resting on its laurels, the Faulkner County seat is being recognized again.For its development of traffi c roundabouts to address traffi c problems resulting from its burgeoning population, Conway is a 2012 Arkansas Business City of Distinction winner for green initiatives.

It started in 2005 when Hendrix College developed a new campus master plan and asked the city for a roundabout to help alleviate traffi c on Harkrider Street. Its success led to the construction of another roundabout at an even busier intersection on Harkrider.

Today, seven roundabouts help traffi c fl ow better throughout Conway. And as anyone with experience driving in Conway can attest, traffi c has not always fl owed smoothly.

“While the primary purpose for the original roundabouts was to calm traffi c around the Hendrix College campus, we learned after the opening

of the fi rst one that the benefi ts were much greater than simply traffi c calming,” Conway Mayor Tab Townsell said.

Those benefi ts include:Safety. According to the Insurance

Institute for Highway Safety, roundabouts reduce traffi c fatalities at intersections by 90 percent, reduce injuries by 76 percent and all crashes by 40 percent.

Effi ciency. Studies have shown that roundabouts reduce delays at intersections by up to 74 percent. An intersection with a traffi c count of 20,000 cars a day should see an average delay of about 26.5 seconds, and a roundabout in place of that intersection could reduce delays by more than 75,000 hours per year and reduce annual fuel usage by more than 30,000 gallons.

Environment. Roundabouts in place of intersections lead to anywhere from a 55 to 61 percent decrease in carbon dioxide emissions, according to a 2003 Kansas State University study.

Townsell said initial construction costs are comparable to the installation of traffi c lights, but post-construction there are virtually no

ongoing maintenance or operational costs. Plus, roundabouts are fully functional without electricity.

“Roundabouts are not just more sustainable, they are more sustaining of life,” Townsell said. “Because of slower speeds, the elimination of confl ict points for both cars and pedestrians and the elimination of head-on and T-bone crashes, roundabouts produce jaw-dropping safety benefi ts.”

So far, the wait to enter a Conway roundabout is virtually non-existent during non-rush hours and usually less than fi ve seconds during peak traffi c times, Townsell said. And he’s quick to point out that modern roundabouts are a far cry from the older, larger traffi c circles many Americans have seen or experienced in Europe or the United Kingdom.

In the modern roundabouts developed in the U.K. in the 1960s and adopted here beginning in the 1990s, incoming traffi c yields only to existing traffi c in the roundabout. Once in, traffi c is steady and has full right-of-way until it reaches its desired exit point.

Conway now has 11 roundabouts in operation including those at former

major intersections such as Harkrider and Siebenmorgan, Harkrider and Winfi eld, Washington and Tyler, Siebenmorgan and Bob Courtway, Ott Memorial and Market Plaza, Prince and Western and Bruce and Farris. One more roundabout is under construction and three more are planned as part of the widening of Prince Street in west Conway.

“Roundabouts are now the de facto traffi c management solution in Conway,” Townsell said.

He hopes Conway’s adoption of roundabouts as a safer, more effi cient traffi c manager will lead to other Arkansas cities exploring their use.

“Our experience with roundabouts of all sizes and traffi c volumes can assure other cities in the state that roundabouts will work in their cities too,” Townsell said. “And that their citizens will learn to embrace them, even going out of their way to use them, just like the citizens of Conway have. Proliferation of roundabout use across the state would have tremendously benefi cial effects on the health and safety of thousands of Arkansans.” ■

GREEN INITIATIVES

Conway Comes Full CircleWhile Helping Environment

Conway keeps finding ways to go green.

Conway has replaced intersections with traffic circles in a number of locations, easing traffic flow while reducing the risk of accidents and also helping the environment by reducing emissions.

2012

YOUR DAILY DOSE of BUSINESS

NEWSRIght tO YOUR INBOx

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16 CONWAY PROGRESS REPORT16 CONWAY PROGRESS REPORT

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