LITTLE ROCK (Dec. 7, 2017) – With several rehabilitation projects in the works for downtown Little Rock, the Main Street Revitalization Task Force has teamed with area high schools to spruce up empty storefronts awaiting renovations.

“The idea is to give the abandoned properties a fresh look that makes the street appearance on these storefronts more welcoming,” said Carol Worley, who is spearheading the project as chairwoman of the Main Street Revitalization-Existing Structures Task Force. “With the murals in place the buildings will have art as a street view instead of an empty building. Once rehabilitation begins, the murals can be moved to other abandoned buildings.”

The City of Little Rock purchased 18-foot canvasses and provided each school with $250 in art supplies to do the murals. Four local schools participated in the mural project:

• Central High School – lead by art teacher Rex Deloney
• Parkview High School – lead by art teachers Gail King & Matt Teravest
• Hall High School – lead by art teacher Brent Hawley
• North Little Rock High School – lead by art teacher Tonya Wentzel

Three of the murals have already been installed in building fronts along the city’s Creative Corridor on Main Street. The fourth is scheduled for installation Friday in the south window of the Boyle Building.

Mayor Mark Stodola said he hopes city residents and guests will take time to visit Main Street to see what the area has to offer.

“I am thrilled that we continue to see rapid progress on the revitalization of Main Street and I cannot thank these students enough for sharing their talents to help make the Creative Corridor even more inviting as our work continues,” he said.

The Main Street Revitalization Task Force is a public private partnership between Downtown Little Rock Partnership and the City of Little Rock.