Building renovations undertaken by city; including historic jail

The City of Rector currently is working on a project to restore two historic buildings as part of a new community development program.

The immediate project involves the old city jail property on Main Street. The property is being donated to the city by Crockett Farms and will house the community development office. It also will serve as a visitors center for Rector, as well as the headquarters for the Rector Area Chamber of Commerce.

The office will be used by Cynthia Corkran, community development director and secretary-treasurer of the chamber.

The city has applied for a grant from the Arkansas Dept. of Heritage for the first phase of the renovation of the facility. Jonesboro architect Ken Stacks is working with the city on the renovation project.

"We are really excited about the possibilities for this facility," Corkran said. "It has a great history and that information will be incorporated into the project."

She said historical items will be featured in the renovated facility and brochures and other information about Rector and the area will be available for visitors. It also is anticipated special events can be held in the facility following the renovation project.

The Rector City Council has expressed appreciation to the Crockett family for its agreement to donate the old jail building. Owners of the property are Sherland Hamilton, Pauline Crockett, George Jernigan and Robert Jernigan.

The city also has purchased the old Harper building on Front Street, located just west of city hall, from Doug Coy.

Ultimate plans by the council are to move the water office into the building, allowing more room for the police department in the existing city hall.

"This is one of the oldest buildings in Rector, and it has great potential for renovation and restoration," Corkran said.

Stacks also is working with the city on this particular building renovation.

Corkran is developing plans to encourage other building owners in Rector to restore and renovate facilities to help beautify the community and attract business development and visitors. "We have a great history here in Rector and a lot of the buildings lend themselves to emphasizing that heritage," Corkran said. "This will develop more pride in our community and help us to a more positive future."

Corkran currently is developing an application for Rector to be a part of the Arkansas Downtown Network, a division of Main Street Arkansas.