Department of Housing and Urban Development/2025 Commission/City of Arkadelphia, Arkansas
Arkadelphia Downtown Recovery Program

In response to a devastating tornado that struck the city of Arkadelphia in the spring of 1997, Camiros, Ltd. provided a range of urban planning and design services as part of the HUD Disaster Recovery effort. Several established neighborhoods and the downtown were severely impacted by this tornado. Camiros was asked by HUD to provide a range of planning services in response to these conditions, and to provide a long-term framework for future growth and development. Housing and commercial market studies and a Downtown Recovery Plan were among the tasks that were completed by the recovery team. Specifically, Camiros focused on preparing an overall plan and strategy for downtown redevelopment. This plan builds upon local commitment to keep downtown as the heart of the community. As a result of consensus building, several key projects were developed, including the construction of a new City Hall and Town Square complex, implementing streetscape improvements, a new riverfront park, attracting middle-market housing to affected neighborhoods and the creation of a housing rehabilitation program.