Winn Main Street, a local organization with state and national ties, has announced its latest project as part of efforts to build Winnfield’s downtown back to its former strength and appeal. That project is a grant-funded mural underway that drivers can view from the five-lane’s railroad bridge opposite the post office.
“Cities and towns across the state have come to see that a prosperous, sustainable community is only as healthy as its core,” according to Main Street Louisiana. Winnfield was involved with the Main Street program in the 1980s and has become actively engaged again over the past year. It takes in the entirety of Main Street, extending to encompass the library, hospital, Trinity Community Healthcare Center and back down to Home Hardware.
One might call this a group of (mostly) young business people striving to bring back some of downtown’s old-fashioned appeal and values. “This is a nationally recognized program. The mayor and council have helped us jumpstart, getting us on our feet.”
When asked about the goals, responses from around the table were encouraging: Brighten up the downtown. Remember when times were simpler. Make a more positive impact. Revitalize the area. Create an environment where families will enjoy walking the streets once again. We’ve had some small events but the biggest splash so far is this mural.
That mural is being created by a professional crew on the north wall of Lorraine & Co. Hair Salon. Committee director Shannan Chevallier wrote the Pledge 10 grant, funded by Jonesboro State Bank. The photo with this article shows the earliest stages of what is planned to resemble an old time postcard.
“It’s a big win for us. We’ll want visitors to stop in our town to take their picture in front of the mural.”
An earlier accomplishment of Winn Main Street was the vibrant family activities area painted in the dead-end street in front of the post office, “The Stump,” an area designated for food trucks, recreation and public gathering.
Winn Main Streets Mission Statement: “Through revitalization of our historic downtown, we will promote business development, tourism and support cultural diversity. Our mission is to cultivate partnerships between community members and local businesses. We will provide quality of life opportunities for all citizens.”
Board members: President – Karly Stewart, Vice President – Carolyn Phillips, Secretary – Erikia Breda, Treasurer – Brent Chandler, Bridgett Bartlett, Nikki Hanson, Liz McManus, Tyler Pyles, Stacey Fields, and Shannan Chevallier – Director,
”Main Street stands behind our business leaders. We want to be supportive. Anyone who’d like to join us in our efforts or just know more about Winn Main Street, contact us at info@winnmainstreet.com .”
